SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITORS OF NECROPTOSIS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/140,615, filed Dec. 23, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention was made with government support under UO1 NS050560 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The U.S. government has certain rights to this invention.

The invention relates to compounds and to cell death, in particular through necrosis and necroptosis, and regulation thereof by small molecules.

In many diseases, cell death is mediated through apoptotic and/or necrotic pathways. While much is known about the mechanisms of action that control apoptosis, control of necrosis is not as well understood. Understanding the mechanisms regulating both necrosis and apoptosis in cells is essential to being able to treat conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, coronary heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. A thorough understanding of necrotic and apoptotic cell death pathways is also crucial to treating AIDS and the conditions associated with AIDS, such as retinal necrosis.

Cell death has traditionally been categorized as either apoptotic or necrotic based on morphological characteristics (Wylie et al., Int. Rev. Cytol. 68: 251 (1980)). These two modes of cell death were also initially thought to occur via regulated (caspase-dependent) and non-regulated processes, respectively. More recent studies, however, demonstrate that the underlying cell death mechanisms resulting in these two phenotypes are much more complicated and, under some circumstances, interrelated. Furthermore, conditions that lead to necrosis can occur by either regulated caspase-independent or non-regulated processes.

One regulated caspase-independent cell death pathway with morphological features resembling necrosis, called necroptosis, has recently been described (Degterev et al., Nat. Chem. Biol. 1:112 (2005)). This manner of cell death can be initiated with various stimuli (e.g., TNF-α and Fas ligand) and in an array of cell types (e.g., monocytes, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, macrophages, epithelial cells and neurons). Necroptosis may represent a significant contributor to and, in some cases, predominant mode of cellular demise under pathological conditions involving excessive cell stress, rapid energy loss, and massive oxidative species generation, where the highly energy-dependent apoptosis process is not operative.

The identification and optimization of low molecular weight molecules capable of inhibiting necroptosis will assist in elucidating its role in disease patho-physiology and could provide compounds (i.e., necrostatins) for anti-necroptosis therapeutics. The discovery of compounds that prevent caspase-independent cell death (e.g., necrosis or necroptosis) would also provide useful therapeutic agents for treating or preventing conditions in which necrosis occurs. These compounds and methods would be particularly useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic brain and heart injuries, and head trauma.

The invention features a series of heterocyclic derivatives that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induced necroptosis. The invention further features pharmaceutical compositions featuring necrostatins. The compounds and compositions of the invention may also be used to treat disorders where necroptosis is likely to play a substantial role.

In a first aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to the following formula:

where

each R_H1, R_H2, R_H3, R_H4, R_H5, R_H10, R_H17, X_H2, Z₁, Z_H2, and n is as defined for Formula (I),

X_H2is selected, independently, from O, S, or NR_H9;

each R_H1, R_H2, R_H3, R_H4, and R_H5is selected, independently from H, halogen, cyano, nitro, azido, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R_H12, —C(═O)OR_H12, —C(═O)NR_H12R_H13, —C(═S)R_H12, —C(═S)NR_H12R_H13, —C(═NR_H14)R_H12, —C(═NR_H14)NR_H12R_H13, or —[Z_H1—(CR_H15R_H16)_n—{C(═X_H2)}_n—Z_H2—R₁₇], or R_H1and R_H3combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each Z_H1and Z_H2is selected, independently, from a single bond, O, S, or NR_H11;

each R_H9, R_H10, R_H11, R_H12, R_H13, R_H14, R_H15, R_H16, and R_H17, is selected, independently from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

n is an integer between 0-6; and

o is 0 or 1; and

when R_H1is H, R_H2is H or CO₂Me, R_H3is H, R_H4is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from methoxy, chloro, or fluoro, R_H5is CN, R_H10is H, Z_H1is S, n is 1, X_H2is O, and Z_H2is NH, R_H17is not H, methyl, methoxy, unsubstituted 2-thiazolyl, unsubstituted phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, or 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound has a structure according to Formula (I-B)

where

each R_H1and R_H3is selected, independently, from H, halogen, cyano, nitro, azido, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R_H12, —C(═O)OR_H12, or —C(═O)NR_H12R_H13, or R_H1and R_H3combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each R_H4and R_H17is selected, independently, from optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R_H5is selected from H, CN, —C(═O)OR_H12, or —C(═O)NR_H12R_H13;

each R_H10, R_H11, R_H12, and R_H13is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

Z_H1is selected from a single bond or S;

Z_H2is selected from a single bond or NR_H11; and

X_H2is O or S;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In other embodiments, the compound has the following structure:

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_H1and R_H3are H.

In some embodiments, R_H5is CN.

In some embodiments, R_H10is H.

In some embodiments, Z_H1is S.

In some embodiments, Z_H2is NH,

In some embodiments, R_H4is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents. In further embodiments, the phenyl includes 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F, Cl, or OR_H18, where each R_H18is, independently, selected from H or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl. In certain embodiments, the phenyl is 2-fluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, or 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl.

In some embodiments, R_H17is optionally substituted heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, heteroaryl selected from furan, thiophene, pyrrole, 1,2,3-thiadiazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,2,3-oxadiazole or 1,2,5-oxadiazole, oxazole, benzoxazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, pyrazole, thiazole, benzthiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3-triazole, benzotriazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazines, quinoline, isoquinoline, purine, pyrazine, pteridine, 1,2,3-triazine, 1,2,4-triazine, 1,3,5-triazine, indole, 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, benzo[b]thiophene, benzo[c]thiophene, benzofuran, isobenzofuran, and benzimidazole.

In a second aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to the following formula

where

each R_A1, R_A3, and R_A4is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

G_A2is absent or —(CR_A11R_A12)_n—;

X_A3is absent or is O, S, or NR_A8;

each R_A8and R_A13is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —COR_A14, —CO₂R_A14, or —CONR_A14R_A15;

each R_A9, R_A10, R_A11, and R_A12is selected, independently, from H, halogen, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_A7, R_A14and R_A15is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each m and n is, independently, 1, 2, or 3; and

where when one of R_A1and R_A4is H and the other is selected from H or CO₂Et, and R_A3is unsubstituted phenyl, G_A2-X_A3—R_A7is not NHC₆H₅, NH(p-C₆H₄F), NH(p-C₆H₄OH), NH(p-C₆H₄OMe), NH(3-OH-4-C₁-C₆H₄), —CH₂(O-p-C₆H₄Me), —CH₂(4-ethylpiperazinyl), —CH₂S(2-phenyltetrazolyl), —CH₂S(4-chlorophenyl), —CH₂S(2-benzothiazolyl), —CH₂S(2-(N-methylimidazolyl)), —CH₂S(4,6-dimethylquinazolinyl), adamantyl, or optionally substituted oxiranyl; and

where when R_A1and R_A4are each H and R_A3is 4-methoxyphenyl, G_A2-X_A3—R_A7is not optionally substituted oxiranyl;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_A1and R_A4are H.

In some embodiments, R_A3is unsubstituted phenyl.

In some embodiments, R_A3is phenyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents.

In some embodiments, G_A2is absent.

In certain embodiments, X_A3is absent and R_A7is optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In other embodiments, X_A3is NR_A8and R_A7is optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, G_A2is CH₂.

In some embodiments, X_A3is S and R_A7is optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, X_A3is absent and R_A7is optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In a third aspect, the invention features compounds according to the following formula

where

each R_A1, R_A2, R_A4, and R_A6is selected, independently, from H, —C(═O)—X_A3—R_A7, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each X_A3is, independently, absent, —O—, or —NR_A8—,

each R_A8is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —COR_A14, —CO₂R_A14, or —CONR_A14R_A15;

each R_A7, R_A14and R_A15is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

wherein when R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond and R_A2is H, R_A6is not 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, or 4-(NHCO₂^tBu)phenyl; and

where when R_A1is H, R_A4is H or CO₂Et, R_A2is unsubstituted phenyl, R_A6is not —C(═O)-(unsubstituted phenyl) or —C(═O)-(4-methylphenyl); and

where when R_A1is H, R_A4is —C(═O)-(unsubstituted phenyl), R_A2is 4-chlorophenyl, R_A6is not CO₂Et;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_A5is H; each R_A1, R_A2, R_A4, and R_A6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)—X_A3—R_A7, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond; each R_A7is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each X_A3is, independently, absent, —O—, or —NR_A8—,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond.

In other embodiments, R_A6is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, R_A6is a phenyl group having a substituent at the 4-position.

In certain embodiments, R_A1and R_A4are each H, R_A2is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl, and R_A6is —C(═O)—X_A3—R_A7.

In other embodiments, R_A2is unsubstituted phenyl.

In a fourth aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to the following formula:

where

R_B1is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, —C(═O)R_B18, —C(═O)OR_B18, or —C(═O)NR_B18R_B19;

R_B2is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, or optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl;

each R_B3and R_B4is selected, independently from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, or R_B3and R_B4combine to form a bridging group having the structure —(CH₂)_n—(CR_B13═CR_B14)_o—(CH₂)_p—;

each n, o, and p is, independently, 0 or 1;

each R_B5, R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12is selected, independently, from H, halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —N₃, —R_B13, —OR_B13, —SR_B13, —NR_B13R_B14, —C(O)R_B15, —C(═O)OR_B15, —C(═O)NR_B15R_B16, —OC(═O)R_B15, —OC(═O)OR_B15, —OC(═O)NR_B15R_B16, —NR_B15C(═O)R_B15, —NR_B15C(═O)OR_B16, —NR_B15C(═O)NR_B16R_B17, —C(═S)R_B15, —C(═S)NR_B15R_B16, —NR_B15C(═S)R_B16, —NR_B15C(═S)NR_B16R_B17, —C(═NR_B13)NR_B15R_B16, —NR_B15C(═NR_B13)R_B16, —NR_B15C(═NR_B13)NR_B16R_B17;

each R_B13and R_B14is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R_B18, —C(═O)OR_B18, or —C(═O)NR_B18R_B19,

each R_B15, R_B16, R_B17, R_B18, and R_B19is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

where when each n, o, and p is 0, R_B3and R_B4combine to form a single bond, and

where R_B1is not H or CH₃when R_B5, R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12are each H, R_B2is ethyl, ethenyl, 2-haloethenyl, ethynyl, haloethynyl, propynyl, or —C≡C—C(OH)(CH₃)₂, and when R_B3and R_B4are each H or combine to form a bond, —CH₂CH₂— or —CH═CH—;

where R_B1is not H when R_B5, R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B10, and R_B11are each H, at least one of R_B9or R_B12is fluoro, R_B2is ethynyl, and when R_B3and R_B4combine to form —CH₂CH₂—;

wherein R_B1is not H when R_B5, R_B7, R_B9, and R_B11are H and one or two of R_B6, R_B8, R_B10, and R_B12is halogen, nitro, or methyl;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_B1is H.

In some embodiments, R_B2is C_1-3alkyl.

In certain embodiments, R_B2is C_1-3alkenyl.

In other embodiments, R_B2is ethynyl.

In some embodiments, R_B3and R_B4are each H.

In certain embodiments, the compound has the following structure

where
R_B2is ethyl, ethenyl, or ethynyl and each R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12is selected, independently, from H and halogen, or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof. In some embodiments, R_B10or R_B12is fluoro.

In some embodiments, the compound has the following structure:

where

R_B2is ethyl, ethenyl, or ethynyl and each R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12is selected, independently, from H and halogen, or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In a fifth aspect, the invention features a structure according to the following formula

where

each R_C1, R_C2, and R_C3is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, —Y—R_C7, or R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) or a (═S) group, or R_C1and R_C3combine to form a carbon-nitrogen double bond;

R_C4is selected from H, halogen, —CN, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, or —C(═O)ZR_C8,

each R_C5and R_C6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, or R_C5and R_C6combine to form an optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_C7, R_C8, R_C9, R_C10, R_C11, and R_C12is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

X is —CR_C11═CR_C12—, O, S, or NR_C9;

Y is, independently, a single bond, (CR_C8R_C9)_n, O, S, or NR_C10; and

Z is a single bond, O, S, or NR_C10;

n is an integer between 0-4; and

where when X is S, R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) group, R_C4is H, and R_C5and R_C6combine to form unsubstituted cyclopentyl, R_C3is not —CH₂—R_C7, where R_C7is unsubstituted phenyl, unsubstituted naphthyl, unsubstituted 8-quinolyl, unsubstituted 2-oxoquinolyl, or phenyl having 1 or 2 substituents selected from F, OMe, Me, CN, or Cl; and

wherein when X is S, R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) group, R_C4is H, and R_C5and R_C6are each CH₃, R_C3is not —CH₂—R_C7, where R_C7is unsubstituted phenyl; and

where when X is CH═CH, R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) group, R_C4is H, and R_C5and R_C6are H, R_C3is not —CH₂(4-halophenyl);

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, each R_C5and R_C6is optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl.

In other embodiments, the compound has a structure according to the following formula:

wherein X, R_C1, R_C2, R_C3, and R_C4are as defined for Formula (IV) and n is an integer between 0-3,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_C1and R_C7combine to form a (═O) group.

In other embodiments, X is S.

In some embodiments, n is 1.

In certain embodiments, R_C3is —Y—R_CS.

In other embodiments, R_C3is —(CH₂)-(optionally substituted aryl).

In a sixth aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to the following formula

where

each Y_D1and Y_D2is selected, independently, from —C(═O)— or —S(═O)₂—;

A is phenyl having 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 additional substituents;

R_D2and R_D3are selected, independently from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, —COR_D13, —CO₂R_D11, —CONR_D13R_D14, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_D5, R_D9, R_D10, R_D13, and R_D14is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_D9and R_D10combine to form a heterocyclyl; and

where when R_D2, R_D3, and R_D5are H, Y_D1is —(C═O)—, Y_D2is —(SO₂)—, and R_D9and R_D10are each ethyl or R_D9is methyl and R_D10is CH₂(2-tetrahydrofuran), and A is phenyl having 0 additional substituents, Y_D1and Y_D2are not para to each other,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, Y_D1and Y_D2are ortho or meta to each other.

In other embodiments, Y_D1and Y_D2are para to each other.

In some embodiments, the compound has a structure according to the following formula

where

each R_D2, R_D3, R_D17, R_D18, R_D19, and R_D20, is selected, independently from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, —COR_D13, —CO₂R_D13, —CONR_D13R_D14, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each R_D9and R_D10is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or R_D9and R_D10combine to form a heterocyclyl;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_D17, R_D18, R_D19, and R_D20are H.

In some embodiments, R_D2and R_D3are H.

In other embodiments, R_D9and R_D10are each optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl.

In a seventh aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to

where

each Z_E2and Z_E3is selected, independently, from a single bond, —(CR_E6R_E7)_n—, —C(═O)—, or R_E1and Z_E2—R_E2combine to form a double bond;

each R_E1, R_E2, and R_E4is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R_E3is selected from optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_E6and R_E7is selected, independently, from H or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl; and

each n is an integer between 1-6; and

where when R_E1and R_E4are H, Z_E2and Z_E3are each CH₂, and R_E2is unsubstituted 3-indolyl, R_E3is not 4-chlorophenyl or CH₂CH₂O(p-C₆H₄F),

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound has a structure according to

where

R_E3is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

R⁹is H, halogen, CN, NO₂, OR¹³, NR¹³R¹⁴, COR¹⁵, CO₂R¹⁵, or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl;

each R¹³and R¹⁴is selected, independently, from H, COR¹⁶, CO₂R¹⁶, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and,

each R¹⁵and R¹⁶is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_E3is optionally substituted aryl.

In some embodiments, R_E3is unsubstituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, unsubstituted heterocyclyl, unsubstituted aryl, or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

In other embodiments, R_E3is substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, substituted heterocyclyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroaryl. In other embodiments, the substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, substituted heterocyclyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroaryl includes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents selected, independently, from the group consisting of: C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, —N₃, —OR′, —NR′C(═O)R″, —C(═O)NRR′, —NRR′, —OC(═O)NR′R″, —NRC(═O)OR′, —OH, and —NC), wherein each R or R′ is selected, independently, from H, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl.

In still other embodiments, R_E3is substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl. In some embodiments, R_E3is substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, the substituted phenyl is substituted with at least one halogen. In other embodiments, the substituted phenyl is substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents selected, independently, from the group consisting of: C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, —N₃, —OR′, —NR′C(═O)R″, —C(═O)NRR′, —NRR′, —OC(═O)NR′R″, —NRC(═O)OR′, —OH, and —NC), wherein each R or R′ is selected, independently, from H, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, the stereocenter marked by the asterisk in the compound of Formula (VI) has the (R)-configuration. In other embodiments, the stereocenter marked by the asterisk has the (S)-configuration.

In any of the embodiments described herein, one or both of —Z_E3and R_E3does not include substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br, or I); nitro (—NO₂), cyano (—CN), acyloxy(═OC(═O)R′), acyl (—C(═O)R′), carboxylic acid (—CO₂H), carboxylic ester (—CO₂R′), sulfonate (—S(═O)₂OR), sulfonamide (—S(═O)₂NRR′ or —NRS(═O)₂R′), or sulfonyl (—S(═O)₂R), where each R or R′ is selected, independently, from H, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, as described herein.

In an eighth aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to the following formula,

where

Z_F1is selected from a single bond, —(CH₂)—, —C(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂—;

R_F1is selected from H, OR_F14, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R_F2and R_F4are each H, or R_F2and R_F4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each R_F6, R_F7, R_F8, and R_F9is selected, independently, from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, OR_F12, SR_F12, NR_F12R_F13, —COR_F12, —CO_{2 F12}, —CONR_F12R_F13, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each R_F12, R_F13, and R_F14is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

where when R_F2, R_F4, R_F6, R_F7, R_F8, and R_F9are each H and Z_F1is —C(═O)—, R_F1is not -(unsubstituted 1,4-benzodioxane) or —CH₂—O-(unsubstituted phenyl), or —CH(CH₃)O(o-tolyl);

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_F2and R_F4are each H.

In other embodiments, R_F6, R_F7, R_F8, and R_F9are H.

In certain embodiments, Z_F1is —C(═O)—. In further embodiments, R_F1is optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In a ninth aspect, the invention features a compound having a structure according to the following formula

where

each R_G1, R_G2, R_G5, and R_G6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_G1and R_G2, or R_G5and R_G6combine to form an optionally substituted cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl; and

where when R_G1is unsubstituted phenyl and R_G2is H, R_G5and R_G6do not combine to form unsubstituted cyclopentyl;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_G1or R_G5is phenyl having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents. In certain embodiments, R_G1is unsubstituted phenyl.

In some embodiments, R_G2or R_G6is phenyl having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents.

In other embodiments, R_G1and R_G2, or R_G5and R_G6combine to form an optionally substituted cycloalkyl. In certain embodiments, the cycloalkyl is cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl.

In a tenth aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and any compound of Formulas (I)-(VIII), or any of Compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), and (58)-(70), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof.

In an eleventh aspect, the invention features a method of treating a condition in a subject, with the method including the step of administering the compound of any compound of Formulas (I)-(VIII), or any of Compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), and (58)-(70), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof, to said subject in a dosage sufficient to decrease necroptosis.

In some embodiments, the condition is a neurodegenerative disease of the central or peripheral nervous system, the result of retinal neuronal cell death, the result of cell death of cardiac muscle, the result of cell death of cells of the immune system; stroke, liver disease, pancreatic disease, the result of cell death associated with renal failure; heart, mesenteric, retinal, hepatic or brain ischemic injury, ischemic injury during organ storage, head trauma, septic shock, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, bone avascular necrosis, sickle cell disease, muscle wasting, gastrointestinal disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, alteration of blood vessels, muscular dystrophy, graft-versus-host disease, viral infection, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, or any condition in which alteration in cell proliferation, differentiation or intracellular signaling is a causative factor.

In some embodiments, the condition is a neurodegenerative disease of the central or peripheral nervous system.

In some embodiments, the condition is hepatic or brain ischemic injury, or ischemic injury during organ storage, head trauma, septic shock, or coronary heart disease.

In some embodiments, the condition is stroke.

In some embodiments, the condition is myocardial infarction.

In a twelfth aspect, the invention features a method of decreasing necroptosis, where the method includes contacting a cell with any compound of Formulas (I)-(VIII), or any of Compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), and (58)-(70)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof.

In a thirteenth aspect, the invention features a kit including

(a) a pharmaceutical composition comprising any compound of Formulas (I)-(VIII), or any of Compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), and (58)-(70), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof; and

(b) instructions for the use of the pharmaceutical composition of (a) to treat a condition in a subject.

In any of the compositions, methods, and kits of the invention, the compound can be selected from the group consisting of:

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof.

By “C_1-4alkaryl” is meant a C_1-4alkyl group having an optionally substituted aryl or an optionally substituted heteroaryl located at any position of the carbon chain. The C_1-4alkyl group may be linear or branched and may also be substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 additional substituents as described herein.

By “alkoxy” is meant a group having the structure —O(optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl), where the optionally substituted C_h6alkyl may be branched, linear, or cyclic. The C_1-6alkyl may be substituted or unsubstituted. A substituted C_1-6alkyl can have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents located at any position. Exemplary alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, and the like.

By “C_2-6alkenyl” or “alkenyl” is meant an optionally substituted unsaturated C_2-6hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Exemplary C_2-6alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to —CH═CH (ethenyl), propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, and the like. A C_2-6alkenyl may be linear or branched and may be unsubstituted or substituted. A substituted C_2-6alkenyl may have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents located at any position.

By “C_1-6alkyl” or “alkyl” is meant an optionally substituted C_1-6saturated hydrocarbon group. An alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic (“cycloalkyl”). Examples of alkyl radicals include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, sec-pentyl, iso-pentyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, dodecyl, and the like, which may bear one or more substitutents. Substituted alkyl groups may have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substitutents located at any position. Exemplary substituted alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, optionally substituted C_1-4alkaryl groups.

By “C_2-6alkynyl” or “alkynyl” is meant an optionally substituted unsaturated C_2-6hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. Exemplary C_2-6alkynyl groups include, but are not limited to ethynyl, 1-propynyl, and the like

By “amino” is meant a group having a structure —NR′R″, where each R′ and R″ is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R′ and R″ combine to form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. When R′ is not H or R″ is not H, R′ and R″ may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “aryl” is meant is an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₄cyclic group with [4n+2]π electrons in conjugation and where n is 1, 2, or 3. Non-limiting examples of aryls include heteroaryls and, for example, benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. Aryls also include bi- and tri-cyclic ring systems in which a non-aromatic saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring (e.g., a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl) is fused to an aromatic ring such as benzene or napthalene. Exemplary aryls fused to a non-aromatic ring include indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl. Any aryls as defined herein may be unsubstituted or substituted. A substituted aryl may be optionally substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents located at any position of the ring.

By “aryloxy” is meant a group having the structure —O(optionally substituted aryl), where aryl is as defined herein.

By “azido” is meant a group having the structure —N₃.

By “carbamate” or “carbamoyl” is meant a group having the structure —OCONR′R″ or —NR′CO₂R″, where each R′ and R″ is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R′ and R″ combine to form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. When R′ is not H or R″ is not H, R′ and R″ may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “carbonate” is meant a group having a the structure —OCO₂R′, where R′ is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl. When R′ is not H, R may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “carboxamido” or “amido” is meant a group having the structure —CONR′R″ or —NR′C(═O)R″, where each R′ and R″ is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R′ and R″ combine to form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. When R′ is not H or R″ is not H, R′ and R″ may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “carboxylic group” is meant a group having the structure —CO₂R′,

where R′ is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl. When R′ is not H, R may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “cyano” is meant a group having the structure —CN.

By “C_3-10cycloalkyl” or “cycloalkyl” is meant an optionally substituted, saturated or partially unsaturated 3- to 10-membered monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic, or tricyclic) hydrocarbon ring system. Where a cycloalkyl is polycyclic, the constituent cycloalkyl rings may be fused together, form a spirocyclic structure, or the polycyclic cycloalkyl may be a bridged cycloalkyl (e.g., adamantyl or norbonanyl). Exemplary cycloalkyls induce cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. Cycloalkyls may be unsubstituted or substituted. A substituted cycloalkyl can have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “cycloalkenyl” is meant a non-aromatic, optionally substituted 3- to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic hydrocarbon ring system having at least one carbon-carbon double bound. For example, a cycloalkenyl may have 1 or 2 carbon-carbon double bonds. Cycloalkenyls may be unsubstituted or substituted. A substituted cycloalkenyl can have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents. Exemplary cycloalkenyls include, but are not limited to, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, 1,3-cyclohexadienyl, 1,4-cyclohexadienyl, and the like.

By “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” of an agent, as used herein, is that amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results, such as clinical results, and, as such, an effective amount depends upon the context in which it is being applied. For example, in the context of administering an agent that is an inhibitor of necroptosis, an effective amount of an agent is, for example, an amount sufficient to achieve a reduction in necroptosis as compared to the response obtained without administration of the agent.

By “ester” is meant a group having a structure selected from —OCOR′, where R′ is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl. When R′ is not H, R may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “halogen” or “halo” is meant fluorine (—F), chlorine (—Cl), bromine (—Br), or iodine (—I).

By “heteroaryl” is mean an aryl group that contains 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms in the cyclic framework. Exemplary heteroaryls include, but are not limited to, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, thiadiazole (e.g., 1,2,3-thiadiazole or 1,2,4-thiadiazole), oxadiazole (e.g., 1,2,3-oxadiazole or 1,2,5-oxadiazole), oxazole, benzoxazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, pyrazole, thiazole, benzthiazole, triazole (e.g., 1,2,4-triazole or 1,2,3-triazole), benzotriazole, pyridines, pyrimidines, pyrazines, quinoline, isoquinoline, purine, pyrazine, pteridine, triazine (e.g, 1,2,3-triazine, 1,2,4-triazine, or 1,3,5-triazine)indoles, 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, benzo[b]thiophene, benzo[c]thiophene, benzofuran, isobenzofuran, and benzimidazole. Heteroaryls may be unsubstituted or substituted. Substituted heteroaryls can have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substitutents.

By “heterocyclic” or “heterocyclyl” is meant an optionally substituted non-aromatic, partially unsaturated or fully saturated, 3- to 10-membered ring system, which includes single rings of 3 to 8 atoms in size, and polycyclic ring systems (e.g., bi- and tri-cyclic ring systems) which may include an aryl (e.g., phenyl or naphthyl) or heteroaryl group that is fused to a non-aromatic ring (e.g., cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or heterocyclyl), where the ring system contains at least one heterotom. Heterocyclic rings include those having from one to three heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen, in which the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized or substituted. In certain embodiments, the term heterocylic refers to a non-aromatic 5-, 6-, or 7-membered monocyclic ring wherein at least one ring atom is a heteroatom selected from O, S, and N (wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may be optionally oxidized), and the remaining ring atoms are carbon, the radical being joined to the rest of the molecule via any of the ring atoms. Where a heterocycle is polycyclic, the constituent rings may be fused together, form a spirocyclic structure, or the polycyclic heterocycle may be a bridged heterocycle (e.g., quinuclidyl or. Exemplary heterocyclics include, but are not limited to, aziridinyl, azetindinyl, 1,3-diazatidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, thiranyl, thietanyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, dithiolanyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, pyranonyl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyranyl, chromenyl, 2H-chromen-2-onyl, chromanyl, dioxanyl (e.g., 1,3-dioxanyl or 1,4-dioxanyl), 1,4-benzodioxanyl, oxazinyl, oxathiolanyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thioxanyl, quinuclidinyl, and also derivatives of said exemplary heterocyclics where the heterocyclic is fused to an aryl (e.g., a benzene ring) or a heteroaryl (e.g., a pyridine or pyrimidine) group. Any of the heterocyclic groups described herein may be unsubstituted or substituted. A substituted heterocycle may have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “ketone” or “acyl” is meant a group having the structure —COR′, where R′ is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl. When R′ is not II, R may be unsubstituted or substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

By “nitro” is meant a group having the structure —NO₂.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” as used herein refers any ingredient other than the compounds described herein (for example, a vehicle capable of suspending or dissolving the active compound) and having the properties of being nontoxic and non-inflammatory in a patient. Excipients may include, for example: antiadherents, antioxidants, binders, coatings, compression aids, disintegrants, dyes (colors), emollients, emulsifiers, fillers (diluents), film formers or coatings, flavors, fragrances, glidants (flow enhancers), lubricants, preservatives, printing inks, sorbents, suspensing or dispersing agents, sweeteners, or waters of hydration. Exemplary excipients include, but are not limited to: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate (dibasic), calcium stearate, croscarmellose, crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, citric acid, crospovidone, cysteine, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, maltitol, mannitol, methionine, methylcellulose, methyl paraben, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propyl paraben, retinyl palmitate, shellac, silicon dioxide, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium citrate, sodium starch glycolate, sorbitol, starch (corn), stearic acid, stearic acid, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and xylitol.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt,” as used herein, represents those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, S. M. Berge et al. describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66:1-19. The salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds of the invention or separately by reacting the free base group with a suitable organic acid. Representative acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphersulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptonate, hexanoate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts and the like. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and the like, as well as nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations, including, but not limited to ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine and the like.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable solvates,” as used herein, refers to compounds that retain non-covalent associations to residual solvent molecules in the solid state. For example, solvates may be prepared by crystallization, recrystallization, or precipitation from a solution that includes organic solvents, water, or a mixture thereof. Solvates include, but are not limited to, compounds that include solvent molecules in the crystal lattice following recrystallization. The molecular stoichiometry of solvation can vary from, for example, 1:1 solvent:compound to 10:1 solvent:compound. These ratios can include a mixture of associated solvent molecules. Exemplary, non-limiting examples of solvents that can form solvates with the compounds of the invention include water (for example, mono-, di-, and tri-hydrates), N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N′-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMEU), 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-(1H)-pyrimidinone (DMPU), acetonitrile (ACN), propylene glycol, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, 2-pyrrolidone, benzyl benzoate, or any combination thereof.

By “pharmaceutical composition” is meant a composition containing a compound of the invention, formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and manufactured or sold with the approval of a governmental regulatory agency as part of a therapeutic regimen for the treatment of disease in a mammal. Excipients consisting of DMSO are specifically excluded. Pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated, for example, for oral administration in unit dosage form (e.g., a tablet, capsule, caplet, gelcap, or syrup); for topical administration (e.g., as a cream, gel, lotion, or ointment); for intravenous administration (e.g., as a sterile solution free of particulate emboli and in a solvent system suitable for intravenous use); or any other formulation described herein.

By “stereoisomer” is meant a diastereomer, enantiomer, or epimer of a compound. A chiral center in a compound may have the S-configuration or the R-configuration. Enantiomers may also be described by the direction in which they rotate polarized light (i.e., (+) or (−)). Diastereomers of a compound include stereoisomers in which some, but not all, of the chiral centers have the opposite configuration as well as those compounds in which substituents are differently oriented in space (for example, trans versus cis).

Where a group is substituted, the group may be substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents. Optional substituents include, but are not limited to: C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen; azido(—N₃), nitro (—NO₂), cyano (—CN), acyloxy(—OC(═O)R′), acyl (—C(═O)R′), alkoxy (—OR′), amido (—NR′C(═O)R″ or —C(═O)NRR′), amino (—NRR′), carboxylic acid (—CO₂H), carboxylic ester (—CO₂R′), carbamoyl (—OC(═O)NR′R″ or —NRC(═O)OR′), hydroxy (—OH), isocyano (—NC), sulfonate (—S(═O)₂₀R), sulfonamide (—S(═O)₂NRR′ or —NRS(═O)₂R′), or sulfonyl (—S(═O)₂R), where each R or R′ is selected, independently, from H, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl. A substituted group may have, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 substituents. In some embodiments, each hydrogen in a group may be replaced by a substituent group (e.g., perhaloalkyl groups such as —CF₃or —CF₂CF₃or perhaloaryls such as —C₆F₅). In other embodiments, a substitutent group may itself be further substituted by replacing a hydrogen of said substituent group with another substituent group such as those described herein. Substituents may be further substituted with, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents as defined herein. For example, a lower C_1-6alkyl or an aryl substituent group (e.g., heteroaryl, phenyl, or naphthyl) may be further substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents as described herein.

We have discovered a series of heterocyclic derivatives that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced necroptosis. The heterocyclic compounds of the invention include, for example, compounds of Formulas (I)-(VIII), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, and are shown to inhibit TNF-α induced necroptosis in FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells. Still other useful necrostatins include Compounds (1)-(45). Compounds of the invention can be synthesized according to methods known in the art or by the methods provided in the examples below. Pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds of the invention are also described. The invention also features kits and methods of treatment featuring the compounds and compositions of the invention.

Compounds of Formula (I)

Certain compounds of the invention can be described by Formula (I):

where

each X_H1and X_H2is selected, independently, from O, S, or NR_H9;

Y_H1is selected, independently, from O, S, or NR_H10;

each R_H1, R_H2, R_H3, R_H4, R_H5, R_H6, R_H7, and R_H8, is selected, independently from H, halogen, cyano, nitro, azido, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R_H12, —C(═O)OR_H12, —C(═O)NR_H12R_H13, —C(═S)R_H12, —C(═S)NR_H12R_H13, —C(═NR_H14)R_H12, —C(═NR_H14NR_H12R_H13, or —[Z_H1—(CR_H15R_H16)_n—{C(═X_H2)}_o—Z_H2—R_H17], or R_H1and R_H3, or R_H5and R_H7combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each Z_H1and Z_H2is selected, independently, from a single bond, O, S, or NR_H1

each R_H9, R_H10, R_H11, R_H12, R_H13, R_H14, R_H15, R_H16, and R_H17, is selected, independently from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

n is an integer between 0-6; and

o is 0 or 1;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

Certain compounds of the invention can be described by Formula (I-A):

where each R_H1, R_H2, R_H3, R_H4, R_H5, R_H10, R_H17, X_H2, Z_H1, Z_H2, and n is as defined for Formula (I),

or by Formula (I-B)

where

each R_H1and R_H3is selected, independently, from H, halogen, cyano, nitro, azido, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R_H12, —C(═O)OR_H12, or —C(═O)NR_H12R_H13, or R_H1and R_H3combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each R_H4and R_H17is selected, independently, from optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R_H5is selected from H, CN, —C(═O)OR_H12, or —C(═O)NR_H12R_H13;

each R_H10, R_H11, R_H12, and R_H13is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

Z_H1is selected from a single bond or S;

Z_B2is selected from a single bond or NR_H11; and

X_H2is O or S;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), the compound has a structure according to the following formula:

where R_H4is as according to Formula (I-A) or (I-B).

In some embodiments of Formula (I), when R_H1is H, R_H2is H or CO₂Me, R_H3is H, R_H4is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from methoxy, ethoxy, methyl, isopropyl, chloro, or fluoro, R_H5is CN, R_H6and R_H8is H, R_H10is H, X_H1is O, Y_H1is NH, and R_H7is —[S—(CH₂)—{C(═O)}_o—Z_H2—R₁₇], Z_H2—R_H17is not OCH₃or NH—R_H17, where R_H17is H, unsubstituted 2-thiazolyl, unsubstituted phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, or 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl.

Compounds of Formulas (I), (I-A), (I-B), and (I-C) can be prepared according to methods known in the art. An exemplary method of synthesis that can be used is shown in Scheme 1 and is based on protocols disclosed in Russian Chemical Bulletin, 48(12): 2308-2311 (1999) and in Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, 38(10): 1269-1275 (2002). In Scheme 1, R′ and R″ can be, for example, an optionally substituted aryl or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group. Still other substituent patterns can be obtained by variation of the thioamide starting material that is condensed with the aldehyde.

Compounds of Formula (I) (e.g., (I-A), (I-B), or (I-C)) or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits). Exemplary compounds useful in the methods, compositions, and kits of the invention, include but are not limited to those shown in Table 1. Other compounds of Formula I are shown in Table 2. In some embodiments, Formulas (I), (I-A), (I-B), or (I-C) do not include any of Compounds (1)-(12).

Compounds of Formula (II)

Select compounds of the invention can be described by Formula (II)

where

each R_A1, R_A2, R_A3, R_A4, R_A5, and R_A6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, or a group having the structure —X_A1-G_A1-X_A2—C(═Y_A1)-G_A2-X_A3—R_A7, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each X_A1, X_A2, and X_A3is, independently, absent or selected from —O—, —S—, or —NR_A8—;

G_A1is absent or —(CR_A9R_A10)_m—;

G_A2is absent or —(CR_A11R_A12)_n—;

Y_A1is O, S, or NR_A13;

each R_A8and R_A13is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —COR_A14, —CO₂R_A14, or —CONR_A14R_A15;

each R_A9, R_A10, R_A11, and R_A12is selected, independently, from H, halogen, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_A7, R_A14and R_A15is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each m and n is, independently, 1, 2, or 3;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (II), when R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond, R_A2is H, R_A3is CH₃, and R_A6is CO₂H, R_A5is not CH₂(2-chlorophenyl).

In some embodiments of Formula (II), when R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond, R_A2is H, R_A6is CH₃or^tBu, and R_A3is NHC(═O)NHR_A7, R_A7is not chlorophenyl or dichlorophenyl.

Certain compounds of Formula (II) may be described further according to Formula (II-A)

where

each R_A1, R_A3, R_A4, and R_A7is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

G_A2is absent or is —(CR_A11R_A12)_n—;

X_A3is absent or is O, S, or NR_A8;

each R_A11, R_A12, and R_A8is selected, independently, from H or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl; and

n is 1 or 2;

or according to Formula (II-R)

where

R_A5is H;

each R_A1, R_A2, R_A3, R_A4, and R_A6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)—X_A3—R_A7, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each R_A7is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each X_A3is, independently, absent, —O—, or —NR_A8—,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (II) (e.g., (II-A) and (II-B)), when one of R_A1and R_A4is H and the other is selected from H or CO₂Et, and R_A3is unsubstituted phenyl, G_A2-X_A3—R_A7is not NHC₆H₅, NH(p-C₆H₄F), NH(p-C₆H₄OH), NH(p-C₆H₄OMe), NH(3-OH-4-C₁-C₆H₄), —CH₂(O-p-C₆H₄Me), —CH₂(4-ethylpiperazinyl), —CH₂S(2-phenyltetrazolyl), —CH₂S(4-chlorophenyl), —CH₂S(2-benzothiazolyl), —CH₂S(2-(N-methylimidazolyl)), —CH₂S(4,6-dimethylquinazolinyl), adamantyl, or optionally substituted oxiranyl.

Other compounds of Formula (II) include compounds of Formula (II-C):

where

each R_A1, R_A2, R_A4, and R_A6is selected, independently, from H, —C(═O)—X_A3—R_A7, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each X_A3is, independently, absent, —O—, or —NR_A8—,

each R_A8is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —COR_A14, —CO₂R_A14, or —CONR_A14R_A15; and

each R_A7, R_A14and R_A15is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments of Formula (II-C), wherein when R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond and R_A2is H, R_A6is not 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, or 4-(NHCO₂^tBu)phenyl. In other embodiments, when R_A1is H, R_A4is H or CO₂Et, R_A2is unsubstituted phenyl, R_A6is not —C(═O)-(unsubstituted phenyl) or —C(═O)-(4-methylphenyl). In still other embodiments, when R_A1is H, R_A4is —C(═O)-(unsubstituted phenyl), R_A2is 4-chlorophenyl, R_A6is not CO₂Et.

Compounds of Formula (II) (e.g., (II-A)-(II-C)) can be prepared according to methods known in the art. Exemplary methods of synthesis are shown in Schemes 2-5.

Scheme 2A shows a method that can be used to prepare pyrazole compounds of Formula (II). Terminal alkynes can be reacted with trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMS-diazomethane) to afford compounds of Formula (II) where R_A1and R_A4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond and R′ can be, for example, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl. Scheme 2B shows the preparation of Compound (13) using the method in Scheme 2A in which the aniline —NH₂group is protected prior to the reaction with TMS-diazomethane.

Scheme 3A depicts another method that can be used to synthesize pyrazoline compounds of Formula (II) according to methods described in J. Chem. Soc. 4686-90 (1952) and J. Med. Chem. 2127-2137 (2006). For example, substituted acroleins (e.g., R′ can be optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl) can be treated with ethanolic hydrazine (Step (a)) to afford a pyrazoline intermediate. The pyrazoline can then be treated with an electrophilic compound having a suitable leaving group (e.g., alkyl halides, acid cholorides. or acid anhydrides) and an optional chemical promoter to afford N-substituted pyrazolines. Scheme 3B shows a method that can be used to prepare Compound (14) where an acid chloride can be used in Step (b) as shown.

Scheme 4 shows Compound (15) which can be prepared according to the procedure described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., page 165 (1943). This method can also be used to prepare other pyrazoline compounds of Formula (II), where R_A6is —C(═O)—R_A7and R_A2and R_A7are, independently, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

Scheme 5A depicts a method by which tetrazole compounds of Formula (II) can be prepared using methods described in WO2005115147 and in J. Med. Chem., 4686-90 (1952). For example, a tetrazole compound that includes a carboxylic acid group can be activated (e.g., treatment with PCl₅as in Step (a)) and subsequently treated with a nucleophile R″ as in Step (b). Scheme 5B shows that 5-Phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole can be used as the nucleophile in step (b′) to afford Compound (16).

Compounds of Formula (II) (e.g., (II-A) and (II-B) and compounds (13)-(16)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits). Additional exemplary compounds useful in, for example, the methods, compositions, and kits of the invention, include but are not limited to those shown in Table 3. Other compounds of Formula (II) are shown in Table 4. In some embodiments, Formula (II), (II-A), and (II-B) do not include any of compounds (13)-(26).

Compounds of Formula (III)

Select compounds of the invention can be described by Formula (III)

where

R_B1is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, —C(═O)R_B18, —C(═O)OR_B18, or —C(═O)NR_B18R_B19;

R_B2is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, or optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl;

each R_B3and R_B4is selected, independently from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, or R_B3and R_B4combine to form a bridging group having the structure —(CH₂)_n—(CR_B13═CR_B14)_o—(CH₂)_p—;

each n, o, and p is, independently, 0 or 1;

each R_B5, R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12is selected, independently, from H, halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —N₃, —R_B13, —OR_B13, —SR_B13, —NR_B13R_B14, —C(═O)R_B15, —C(═O)OR_B15, —C(═O)NR_B15R_B16, —OC(═O)R_B15, —OC(═O)OR_B15, —OC(═O)NR_B15R_B16, —NR_B15C(═O)R_B15, —NR_B15C(═O)OR_B16, —NR_B15C(═O)NR_B16R_B17, —C(═S)R_B15, —C(═S)NR_B15R_B16, —NR_B15C(═S)R_B16, —NR_B15C(═S)NR_B16R_B17, —C(═NR_B13)NR_B15R_B16, —NR_B15C(═NR_B13)R_B16, —NR_B15C(═NR_B13)NR_B16R_B17;

each R_B13and R_B14is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R_B18, —C(═O)OR_B18, or —C(═O)NR_B18R_B19;

each R_B15, R_B16, R_B17, R_B18, and R_B19is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

where when each n, o, and p is 0, R_B3and R_B4combine to form a single bond,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

Select compounds of Formula (III) can also be described by Formula (III-A)

where R_B1is as described in Formula (III), R_B2is ethyl, ethenyl, or ethynyl and each R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12is selected, independently, from H and halogen,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_B1is H.

Still other compounds of Formula (III) are described by Formula (III-B)

where R_B1is as described in Formula (III), R_B2is ethyl, ethenyl, or ethynyl and each R_B9, R_H10, R_B11, and R_B12is selected, independently, from H and halogen,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, R_B1is H.

In some embodiments of Formula (III), R_B1is not H or CH₃when R_B5, R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B9, R_B10, R_B11, and R_B12are each H, R_B2is ethyl, ethenyl, ethynyl, propynyl, 2-haloethynyl, —(C≡CC(—OH)(CH₃)₂), and when R_B3and R_B4are each H or combine to form a bond, —CH₂CH₇— or —CH═CH—. In other embodiments of Formula (III), R_B1is not H when R_B5, R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B10, and R_B11are each H, at least one of R_B9or R_B12is fluoro, R_B7is ethynyl, and when R_B3and R_B4combine to form —CH₇CH₂—. In still other embodiments of Formula (III), R_B1is not H when R_B6, R_B7, R_B8, R_B10, and R_B11are H and one or two of R_B6, R_B8, R_B10, and R_B12is halogen, nitro, or methyl.

Scheme 6A depicts a method by which compounds of Formula (III) can be prepared. A ketone derivative can be treated with an anionic carbon nucleophile (e.g., lithium trimethylsilylacetylide formed in step (a)). The resulting alkoxide can be trapped using a protic quench or by the addition of an electrophilic reagent. Finally, the trimethylsilyl group can be deprotected using basic conditions. If desired, the alkyne group can be further manipulated (e.g., subjected to hydrogenation conditions to afford the corresponding alkene or alkyl group or treated with a metal catalyst/and organic electrophile in cross-coupling reactions). Scheme 6B shows Compound (27), which can be prepared using these conditions.

Compounds of Formula (III) (e.g., (III-A) and (III-B) and compound (27)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits). Additional exemplary compounds useful in, for example, the methods, compositions, and kits of the invention, include but are not limited to those shown in Table 5. Other compounds of Formula (III) include Compounds (35)-(36), (39)-(40), and (42)-(47) shown in Table 6. In some embodiments, Formula (III) does not include any of Compounds (27)-(33), (35)-(36), (39)-(40), or (42)-(47).

Compounds of Formula (IV)

Still other compounds can be described according to Formula (IV)

where

each R_C1, R_C2, and R_C3is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, —Y—R_C7, or R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) or a (═S) group, or R_C1and R_C3combine to form a carbon-nitrogen double bond;

R_C4is selected from H, halogen, —CN, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, or —C(═O)ZR_C8,

each R_C5and R_C6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, or R_C1and R_C2combine to form an optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_C7, R_C8, R_C9, R_C10, R_C11, and R_C12is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

X is —CR_C11═CR_C12—, O, S, or NR_C9;

Y is, independently, a single bond, (CR_C8R_C9)_n, O, S, or NR_C10;

Z is a single bond, O, S, or NR_C10;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (IV), when X is S, R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) group, R_C4is H, and R_C5and R_C6combine to form unsubstituted cyclopentyl, R_C3is not —CH₂—R_C7, where R_C7is unsubstituted phenyl, unsubstituted naphthyl, unsubstituted 8-quinolyl, unsubstituted 2-oxoquinolyl, or phenyl having 1 or 2 substituents selected from F, OMe, Me, CN, or Cl. In other embodiments of Formula (IV), when X is S, R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) group, R_C4is H, and R_C5and R_C6are each Me, R_C3is not —CH₂—R_C7, where R_C7is unsubstituted phenyl. In other embodiments of Formula (IV), when X is CH═CH, R_C1and R_C2combine to form a (═O) group, R_e4, R_C5and R_C6are H, R_C3is not —CH₂(4-halophenyl).

Select compounds of Formula (IV) can also be described by Formula (IV-A)

where X, R_Cl, R_C2, R_C3, and R_C4are as defined for Formula (IV) and n is an integer between 0-3,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

Scheme 7A depicts a method by which compounds of Formula (IV) (e.g., compounds of Formula (IV-A)) can be prepared. A heterocyclic derivative can be deprotonated using a base such as NaH and subsequently treated with an electrophile (e.g., an alkyl halide such as benzyl bromide, an acid chloride, or an acid anhydride) to afford a compound of Formula (IV) such as Compound (48) shown in Scheme 7B.

Compounds of Formula (IV) (e.g., (IV-A) and Compound (48)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits). Additional exemplary compounds useful in, for example, the methods, compositions, and kits of the invention, include but are not limited to those shown in Table 7. In some embodiments, Formula (IV) does not include any of Compounds (48)-(57).

Compounds of Formula (V)

Other compounds of the invention can be described by Formula (V)

where

each X_D1and X_D2is selected, independently, from O, S, NR_D5, or CR_D6R_D7;

Y_D1is selected from a covalent bond, —C(═O)—, —S(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂—;

Y_D2is selected from a covalent bond, —C(═O)—, —OC(═O)—, —NR_D8C(═O)—, —S(═O)—, —S(═O)₂—, —OS(═O)—, —OS(═O)₂—, —NR_D8S(═O)—, —NR_D8S(═O)₂—, or —C(═S)—;

A is selected from optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

G_D1is selected from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, OR_D9, or NR_D9R_D10;

each R_D1, R_D2, R_D3, R_D4, R_D6, R_D7, is selected, independently, from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, OR_D11, SR_D11, NR_D11R_D12, —COR_D13, —CO₂R_D13, —CONR_D13R_D14, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_D1and R_D4, or R_D1and R_D5, or R_D1and R_D6, or R_D3and R_D5, or R_D3and R_D6combine to form a double bond;

each R_D5, R_D8, R_D9, R_D10, R_D13, R_D14, R_D15, and R_D16is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_D9and R_D10combine to form a heterocyclyl;

each R_D11and R_D12is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, —COR_D15—CO₂R_D15, —CONR_D15R_D16, —S(═O)R_D15, —S(O)OR_D15, —S(═O)NR_D15R_D16, —S(═O)₂R_D15, —S(═O)₂OR_D15, —S(═O)₂NR_D15R_D16;

where Y_D1and Y_D2are each covalently bound to a carbon center in A;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

Still other compounds of Formula (V) can be described by Formula (V-A)

where

each Y_D1and Y_D2is selected, independently, from —C(═O)— or —S(═O)₂—;

A is phenyl having 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 additional substituents;

R_D2and R_D3are selected, independently from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, —COR_D13, —CO₂R_D13, —CONR_D13R_D14, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_D5, R_D9, R_D10, R_D13, and R_D14is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_D9and R_D10combine to form a heterocyclyl; or by Formula (V-B)

where

each R_D2, R_D3, R_D17, R_D18, R_D19, and R_D20is selected, independently from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, —COR_D13, —CO₂R_D13, —CONR_D13R_D14, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each R_D9and R_D10is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or R_D9and R_D10combine to form a heterocyclyl; or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (V), when R_D1and R_D4combine to form a double bond, R_D2and R_D3are H, X_D1is NH, X_D2is S, Y_D1is —(C═O)—, Y_D2is —(SO₂)—, G_D1is —N(Et)₂, and A is phenyl having no additional substituents, Y_D1and Y_D2are not para to each other.

Compounds of Formula (V) (e.g., compounds of Formula (V-A) or (V-B)) can be prepared, for example, by treating an aryl or heteroaryl compound that has two electrophilic groups successively with nucleophilic reagents to afford the desired compound. For example, as shown in Scheme 8 and using procedures adapted from Heterocyclic Communications, 12(6): 453-456 (2006) and Organic Synthesis, Collective Vol. 6, page 818, the difunctional benzene derivative 4-CO₂Hphenylsulfonyl chloride can be treated with a nucleophile such as diethylamine to afford the corresponding sulfonamide. This compound can then be esterified prior to treatment with a second nucleophile (e.g., methanolic ammonia). Finally, the compound afforded by step (c) can then be condensed with a carbonyl-containing compound to afford compounds of Formula (V) such as Compound (58).

Compounds of Formula (V) (e.g., (V-A) and (V-B) and compound (34)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits). In some embodiments, Formulas (V), (V-A), and (V-B) do not include Compounds (58).

Compounds of Formula (VI)

Still other compounds of the invention can be described by Formula (VI)

where

each X_E1and X_E3is selected, independently, from N or CR_E4;

each X_E4and X_E5is selected, independently, from O, S, or NR_E5;

X_E2is selected from O, S, or N;

each Z_E1, Z_E2, and Z_E3is selected, independently, from a single bond, —(CR_E6R_E7)_n—, —C(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂—, or Z_E1—R_E1and Z_E2—R_E2combine to form a double bond;

each R_E1, R_E2, R_E3, R_E4, R_E5, R_E6, and R_E7is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

p is 0 or 1; and

n is an integer between 1-6; and

where when X_E2is O or S, Z_E2—R_E2is not present;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, each R_E1, R_E2, R_E3, R_E4, R_E5, R_E6, and R_E7is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl

In some embodiments, R_E3is selected from substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments of Formula (VI), when p is 0, X_E1is CH, —Z_E1—R_E1is —CH₂(indol-3-yl), X_E4and X_E5are 0, and X_E2—Z_E2—R_E2is NH, X_E3—Z_E3—R_E3is not —NCH₂(p-ClC₆H₄) or —NCH₂CH₂O(p-FC₆H₄).

In other embodiments, when X_E1—Z_E1—R_E1is NH, X_E2—Z_E2is CH—CH₂, R_E2is unsubstituted 3-indolyl, p is 0, X_E4is S, X_E5is O, X_E3is N, and Z_E3is CH₂, R_E3is not —CH₂CH₂(4-morpholine).

In still other embodiments, when X_E1—Z_H—R_E1is NH, X_E2—Z_E2is CH—CH₂, R_E2is unsubstituted or substituted 3-indolyl, p is 0 or 1, both X_E4and X_E5are O or X_E4is S and X_E5is O, X_E3is N, and Z_E3is CH₂, R_E3is not H, unsubstituted C_1-6alkyl, or —CH₂CH═CH₂.

In any of the compounds of Formula (VI) described herein (e.g., any compound having a structure according to Formulas (VI), (VI-A), (VI-B), (VI-C), or (VI-D)), the R_E3group can be unsubstituted. In some embodiments, a substituted R_E3group includes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents selected from, for example, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, azido(—N₃), alkoxy (—OR′), amido (—NR′C(═O)R″ or —C(═O)NRR′), amino (—NRR′), carbamoyl (—OC(═O)NR′R″ or —NRC(═O)OR′), hydroxy (—OH), or isocyano (—NC), where each R or R′ is selected, independently, from H, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl. In other embodiments, the substituted R_E3group includes 1, 2, 3, or 4 substituents that are electron donating groups (e.g., hydroxy, C_1-6alkoxy, C_1-6alkyl, and amino groups).

Certain compounds of Formula (VI) may be described by Formula (VI-A) or Formula (VI-B)

wherein

each Z_E2and Z_E3is selected, independently, from a single bond, —(CR_E6R_E7)_n—, —C(═O)—, or R_E1and Z_E2—R_E2combine to form a double bond;

each R_E1, R_E2, R_E3, and R_E4is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_E6and R_E7is selected, independently, from H or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl; and

n is an integer between 1-6;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, each R_E1, R_E2, R_E3, and R_E4is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, R_E3is selected from substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments of Formula (VI-A), when R_E1and R_E4are H, Z_E2and Z_E3are each CH₂, and R_E2is unsubstituted 3-indolyl, R_E3is not 4-chlorophenyl.

In certain embodiments, the compounds of Formula (VI) are described by the following formula:

where

each X_E4and X_E5is, independently, O or S;

X_E2is O or N;

each Z_E2and Z_E3is selected, independently, from a single bond or —(CR_E6R_E7)_n—;

each R_E2and R_E3is, independently, H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R³and R⁴is, independently, H, halogen, or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl;

each R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹is selected, independently, from H, halogen,

CN, NO₂, OR¹³, NR¹³R¹⁴, COR¹⁵, CO₂R¹⁵, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R¹⁰is selected from H, halogen, CN, NO₂, OR¹³, NR¹³R¹⁴, COR¹⁵, CO₂R¹⁵, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted alkenyl, or optionally substituted alkynyl;

each R¹³and R¹⁴is selected, independently, from H, COR¹⁶, CO₂R¹⁶, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁵, and R¹⁶is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

where, independently, n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and p is 0 or 1;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, p is 0.

In some embodiments, R_E3is selected from substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C_2-6alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

Select compounds of Formula (VI-C) can also be described by Formula (VI-D):

where

X_E5is O or S;

—Z_E3—R_E3is optionally substituted C_1-4alkaryl;

each R³, R⁴, and R¹⁰is, independently, H or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl;

R⁹is H, halogen, CN, NO₂, OR¹³, NR¹³R¹⁴, COR¹⁵, CO₂R¹⁵, or optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl;

each R¹³and R¹⁴is selected, independently, from H, COR¹⁶, CO₂R¹⁶, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁵, and R¹⁶is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

where n is 1 or 2;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound has a structure according to the following formula:

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or stereoisomer thereof, where n, Z_E3, R_E3, R³, R⁴, R⁹, and R¹⁰are as defined for Formula (IV-D).

In the compounds of the invention, the sp³-hybridized carbon to which G is attached (e.g., the chiral center marked with an asterisk in any of Formulas (VI-A), (VI-B-1), (VI-B-2), (VI-C), (VI-D), or (VI-E)) can have the (R)- or the (S)-configuration. For example, compounds of the invention include

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

In any embodiment of Formulas (VI-C), (VI-D), or (VI-E), n=1 and R³and R⁴are each H. In another embodiment, R¹⁰is H or CH₃. In still other embodiments, R⁹is H, halogen, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, OH, or —O-(optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl).

In any embodiment of Formulas (VI-C), (VI-D), or (VI-E), —Z_E3—R_E3is optionally substituted benzyl. In one embodiment, —Z_E3—R_E3is unsubstituted benzyl. In another embodiment, —Z_E3—R_E3is benzyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents. In some embodiments, the substituents are selected from the group consisting of C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, azido(—N₃), alkoxy (—OR′), amido (—NR′C(═O)R″ or —C(═O)NRR′), amino (—NRR′), carbamoyl (—OC(═O)NR′R″ or —NRC(═O)OR′), hydroxy (—OH), and isocyano (—NC), as described herein. In a further embodiment, —Z_E3—R_E3is CH₂— (p-XC₆H₄), where X is halogen. In some embodiments, X is F or Cl.

In any of the embodiments described herein, one or both of —Z_E3and R_E3do not include substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br, or I); nitro (—NO₂), cyano (—CN), acyloxy(—OC(═O)R′), acyl (—C(═O)R′), carboxylic acid (—CO₂H), carboxylic ester (—CO₂R′), sulfonate (—S(═O)₂OR), sulfonamide (—S(═O)₂NRR′ or —NRS(═O)₂R′), or sulfonyl (—S(═O)₂R), where each R or R′ is selected, independently, from H, C_1-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C_2-6alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, as described herein.

Compounds of Formula (VI) (e.g., compounds of Formulas (VI-A), (VI-B), (VI-C), or (VI-D)) can be prepared, for example, by treating hydantoin compound that has, for example, a substituent R at the 5-position with a base followed by trapping with an electrophilic reagent (Scheme 9A). For example, Scheme 9B shows that the synthesis of Compound (59) can be achieved by the use of 4-chlorobenzylbromide as the electrophile.

In some embodiments, Formula (VI) (e.g., compounds of Formulas (VI-A), (VI-B), (VI-C), or (VI-D)) does not include any of the compounds or formulas disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,756,394 and 7,253,201, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050119260, and in pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/077,320 and 12/086,792, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Compounds of Formula (VI) (e.g., (VI-A)-(VI-D) and compound (59)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits).

In some embodiments, Formula (VI) does not include compound (59).

Compounds of Formula (VII)

Still other compounds can be described according to Formula (VII)

where

Z_F1is selected from a single bond, —(CR_F10R_F11)_n—, —C(═O)—, —S(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂—;

each R_F1, R_F2, R_F4, R_F10, R_F11, R_F12, and R_F13, is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_F2and R_F4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each R_F3and R_F5is selected, independently, from H, halogen, CN, CO₂R_F12, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

each R_F6, R_F7, R_F8, and R_F9is selected, independently, from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, OR_F12, SR_F12, NR_F12R_F13, —COR_F12, —CO_{2 F12}, —CONR_F12R_F13, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

where n is an integer between 1-6;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

Certain compounds of Formula (VII) can also be described by Formula (VII-A)

where

Z_F1is selected from a single bond, —(CH₂)—, —C(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂—;

R_F1is selected from H, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R_F2and R_F4are each H, or R_F2and R_F4combine to form a carbon-carbon double bond;

each R_F6, R_F7, R_F8, and R_F9is selected, independently, from H, halogen, CN, NC, N₃, NO₂, OR_F12, SR_F12, NR_F12R_F13, —COR_F12, —CO_{2 F12}, —CONR_F12R_F13, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

each R_F12and R_F13, is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (VII-A), when R_F2, R_F4, R_F6, R_F7, R_F8, and R_F9are each H and Z_F1is —C(═O)—, R_F1is not -(unsubstituted 1,4-benzodioxane) or —CH₂—(O-(unsubstituted phenyl)).

Scheme 10 provides a method by which compounds of Formula (VII) such as Compound (60) can be prepared. For example, a nucleophilic compound such as indoline can be treated with an electrophile (e.g., a compound containing a carboxylic acid) in the presence of an optional promoter such as DEAD/PPh₃to afford the requisite compound. Another compound of Formula (VIII) is Compound (61) (Scheme 11).

Compounds of Formula (VII) (e.g., (VII-A) and compound (60)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits). In some embodiments, Formulas (VII) and (VII-A) do not include compounds (60) or (61).

Compounds of Formula (VIII)

Still other compounds useful in the invention are described by Formula (VIII):

where

X_G1is selected from —O—, —N—, or —(CR_G9R_G10)_n—;

X_G2and X_G3are selected, independently, from N or CR_G11;

each R_G1, R_G2, R_G3, R_G4, R_G5, R_G6, R_G7, R_G8, R_G9, R_G10, and R_G11is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_G1and R_G2, or R_G3and R_G4, or R_G5and R_G6, or R_G7and R_G8combine to form an optionally substituted cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl; and

n is 1 or 2;

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

Select compounds of Formula (VIII) can also be described by Formula (VIII-A):

wherein each R_G1, R_G2, R_G5, and R_G6is selected, independently, from H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, optionally substituted C_3-10cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or R_G1and R_G2, or R_G5and R_G6combine to form an optionally substituted cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl,

or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

In some embodiments of Formula (VIII-A), when R_G1is unsubstituted phenyl and R_G2is H, R_G5and R_G6do not combine to form unsubstituted cyclopentyl,

Methods by which compounds of Formula (VIII) (e.g., compounds of Formula (VIII-A) can be prepared are known in the art. For example, Compound (62) shown in Scheme 12, can be prepared according to methods described in Synthesis, pages 771-783 (2002).

Compounds of Formula (VIII) (e.g., (VIII-A) and compound (62)), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof, can also be used as described herein (e.g., in pharmaceutical compositions, as inhibitors of necroptosis, in methods of treatment, and in kits).

In some embodiments, Formulas (VIII) and (VIII-A) do not include compound (62).

Additional Inhibitors of Necroptosis

Other compounds useful in the compositions, kits, and methods of the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,756,394 and 7,253,201, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050119260, and in pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/077,320 and 12/086,792, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In addition to the compounds described by Formulas (I)-(VIII), other inhibitors of necroptosis include, but are not limited to, the structures depicted in Table 8, or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any stereoisomer thereof.

The necrostatins described herein (e.g., compounds of Formulas (I)-(VIII) or any of compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), or (58)-(70)) can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for administration to human subjects in a biologically compatible form suitable for administration in vivo. Accordingly, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Conventional procedures and ingredients for the selection and preparation of suitable formulations are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (2003-20^thedition) and in The United States Pharmacopeia: The National Formulary (USP 24 NF19), published in 1999.

The compounds may be used in the form of the free base, in the form of salts, solvates, and as prodrugs. All forms are within the scope of the invention. In accordance with the methods of the invention, the described compounds or salts, solvates, or prodrugs thereof may be administered to a patient in a variety of forms depending on the selected route of administration, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The compounds of the invention may be administered, for example, by oral, parenteral, buccal, sublingual, nasal, rectal, patch, pump, or transdermal administration and the pharmaceutical compositions formulated accordingly. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, transepithelial, nasal, intrapulmonary, intrathecal, rectal, and topical modes of administration. Parenteral administration may be by continuous infusion over a selected period of time.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may include, for example: antiadherents, antioxidants, binders, coatings, compression aids, disintegrants, dyes (colors), emollients, emulsifiers, fillers (diluents), film formers or coatings, flavors, fragrances, glidants (flow enhancers), lubricants, preservatives, printing inks, sorbents, suspensing or dispersing agents, sweeteners, or waters of hydration. Exemplary excipients include, but are not limited to: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate (dibasic), calcium stearate, croscarmellose, crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, citric acid, crospovidone, cysteine, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, maltitol, mannitol, methionine, methylcellulose, methyl paraben, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propyl paraben, retinyl palmitate, shellac, silicon dioxide, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium citrate, sodium starch glycolate, sorbitol, starch (corn), stearic acid, stearic acid, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and xylitol.

Any of the compounds described herein (e.g., compounds of Formulas (I)-(VIII) or any of compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), or (58)-(70)) may be orally administered, for example, with an inert diluent or with an assimilable edible carrier, or it may be enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, or it may be compressed into tablets, or it may be incorporated directly with the food of the diet. For oral therapeutic administration, a compound of the invention may be incorporated with an excipient and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like.

A compound may also be administered parenterally. The pharmaceutical forms suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. In all cases the form must be sterile and must be fluid to the extent that may be easily administered via syringe.

Compositions for nasal administration may conveniently be formulated as aerosols, drops, gels, and powders. Aerosol formulations typically include a solution or fine suspension of the active substance in a physiologically acceptable aqueous or non-aqueous solvent and are usually presented in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container, which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomizing device. Alternatively, the sealed container may be a unitary dispensing device, such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve which is intended for disposal after use. Where the dosage form comprises an aerosol dispenser, it will contain a propellant, which can be a compressed gas, such as compressed air or an organic propellant, such as fluorochlorohydrocarbon. The aerosol dosage forms can also take the form of a pump-atomizer.

Compositions suitable for buccal or sublingual administration include tablets, lozenges, and pastilles, where the active ingredient is formulated with a carrier, such as sugar, acacia, tragacanth, or gelatin and glycerine. Compositions for rectal administration are conveniently in the form of suppositories containing a conventional suppository base, such as cocoa butter.

The compounds of the invention may be administered to an animal alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, as noted above, the proportion of which is determined by the solubility and chemical nature of the compound, chosen route of administration, and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The amount of active ingredient (e.g., a compound of Formulas (I)-(VIII) or any of compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), or (58)-(70)) in the compositions of the invention can be varied. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the exact individual dosages may be adjusted somewhat depending upon a variety of factors, including the protein being administered, the time of administration, the route of administration, the nature of the formulation, the rate of excretion, the nature of the subject's conditions, and the age, weight, health, and gender of the patient. Generally, dosage levels of between 0.1 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight are administered daily as a single dose or divided into multiple doses. Desirably, the general dosage range is between 250 μg/kg to 5.0 mg/kg of body weight per day. Wide variations in the needed dosage are to be expected in view of the differing efficiencies of the various routes of administration. For instance, oral administration generally would be expected to require higher dosage levels than administration by intravenous injection. Variations in these dosage levels can be adjusted using standard empirical routines for optimization, which are well known in the art. In general, the precise therapeutically effective dosage will be determined by the attending physician in consideration of the above identified factors.

The compounds disclosed herein (e.g., compounds of Formulas (I)-(VIII) or any of compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), or (58)-(70)) can be used to treat disorders where necroptosis is likely to play a substantial role (e.g., cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, a neurodegenerative disease of the central or peripheral nervous system, the result of retinal neuronal cell death, the result of cell death of cardiac muscle, the result of cell death of cells of the immune system; stroke, liver disease, pancreatic disease, the result of cell death associated with renal failure; heart, mesenteric, retinal, hepatic or brain ischemic injury, ischemic injury during organ storage, head trauma, septic shock, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, bone avascular necrosis, sickle cell disease, muscle wasting, gastrointestinal disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, alteration of blood vessels, muscular dystrophy, graft-versus-host disease, viral infection, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, or any condition in which alteration in cell proliferation, differentiation or intracellular signaling is a causative factor). Compounds of the invention can also be used in screening methods to identify targets of necroptosis and to identify additional inhibitors of necroptosis, as well as in assay development.

Compounds disclosed herein can be evaluated for their pharmacological properties in animal models of disease. The compounds identified to decrease necrosis or necroptosis may be structurally modified and subsequently used to decrease necrosis or necroptosis, or to treat a subject with a condition in which necrosis or necroptosis occurs. The methods used to generate structural derivatives of the small molecules that decrease necrosis or necroptosis are readily known to those skilled in the fields of organic and medicinal chemistry.

Therapy according to the invention may be performed alone or in conjunction with another therapy, for example in combination with apoptosis inhibitors, and may be provided at home, the doctor's office, a clinic, a hospital's outpatient department, or a hospital. Treatment generally begins at a hospital so that the doctor can observe the therapy's effects closely and make any adjustments that are needed. The duration of the therapy depends on the age and condition of the patient, as well as how the patient responds to the treatment. Additionally, a person having a greater risk of developing a condition may receive prophylactic treatment to inhibit or delay symptoms of the disease.

In some embodiments, the compounds and methods of the invention can be used to treat any of the following disorders where necroptosis is likely to play a substantial role: a neurodegenerative disease of the central or peripheral nervous system, the result of retinal neuronal cell death, the result of cell death of cardiac muscle, the result of cell death of cells of the immune system; stroke, liver disease, pancreatic disease, the result of cell death associated with renal failure; heart, mesenteric, retinal, hepatic or brain ischemic injury, ischemic injury during organ storage, head trauma, septic shock, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, bone avascular necrosis, sickle cell disease, muscle wasting, gastrointestinal disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, alteration of blood vessels, muscular dystrophy, graft-versus-host disease, viral infection, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and any condition in which alteration in cell proliferation, differentiation or intracellular signaling is a causative factor.

Conditions in which alteration in cell proliferation, differentiation or intracellular signaling is a causative factor include cancer and infection, e.g., by viruses (e.g., acute, latent and persistent), bacteria, fungi, or other microbes.

Exemplary viruses are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV)5 human herpesviruses (HHV), herpes simplex viruses (HSV), human T-Cell leukemia viruses (HTLV)5 Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), measles virus, papovaviruses (JC and BK), hepatitis viruses, adenovirus, parvoviruses, and human papillomaviruses. Exemplary diseases caused by viral infection include, but are not limited to, chicken pox, Cytomegalovirus infections, genital herpes, Hepatitis B and C, influenza, and shingles.

Exemplary bacteria include, but are not limited to Campylobacter jejuni, Enterobacter species, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli (e.g., E. coli O157:H7), Group A streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, listeria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Exemplary diseases caused by bacterial infection include, but are not limited to, anthrax, cholera, diphtheria, foodborne illnesses, leprosy, meningitis, peptic ulcer disease, pneumonia, sepsis, tetanus, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and urinary tract infection.

Exemplary neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, HIV-associated dementia, cerebral ischemia, amyotropic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Lewy body disease, Menke's disease, Wilson's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Fahr disease. Exemplary muscular dystrophies or related diseases are Becker's muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, Landouzy-Dejerine muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (Steinert's disease), myotonia congenita, Thomsen's disease, and Pompe's disease. Muscle wasting can be associated with cancer, AIDS, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as include necrotizing myopathy of intensive care.

Compounds and methods of the invention can additionally be used to boost the immune system, whether or not the patient being treated has an immunocompromising condition. For example, the compounds described herein can be used in a method to strengthen the immune system during immunization, e.g., by functioning as an adjuvant, or by being combined with an adjuvant.

Any of the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention (e.g., those that include a compound of Formulas (I)-(VIII) or any of compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), or (58)-(70)) can be used together with a set of instructions, i.e., to form a kit. The kit may include instructions for use of the compounds of the invention in a screening method or as a therapy as described herein.

The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present invention.

Evaluation of necroptosis inhibitory activity was performed using a FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells or with L929 cells treated with TNF-α as previously described (Degterev et al., Nat. Chem. Biol. 1:112 (2005) and Jagtap et al., J. Med. Chem. 50: 1886 (2007)). Utilizing these conditions the cells efficiently underwent necroptosis. For EC₅₀value determinations, cells were treated with 10 ng/mL of human TNF-α in the presence of increasing concentration of test compounds for 24 hours followed by ATP-based viability assessment.

ATP-based viability assessment: Briefly, necroptosis activity was performed using a FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells or L929 cells treated with TNF-α. For EC₅₀value determinations, cells (500,000 cells/mL, 100 μL per well in a 96-well plate) were treated with 10 ng/mL of human TNF-α in the presence of increasing concentration of test compounds for 24 hours at 37° C. in a humidified incubator with 5% CO₂followed by ATP-based viability assessment. Stock solutions (30 mM) in DMSO were initially prepared and then diluted with DMSO to give testing solutions, which were added to each test well. The final DMSO concentration was 0.5%. Eleven compound test concentrations (0.030-100 μM) were used. Each concentration was done in duplicate.

Cell viability assessments were performed using a commercial luminescent ATP-based assay kit (CellTiter-Glo, Promega, Madison, Wis.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, 40 μL of the cell lysis/ATP detection reagent was added to each well. Plates were incubated on a rocking platform for 10 minutes at room temperature and luminescence was measured using a Wallac Victor 3 plate-reader (Perkin Elmer, Wellesley, Mass.). Cell viability was expressed as a ratio of the signal in the well treated with TNF-α and compound to the signal in the well treated with compound alone. This was done to account for nonspecific toxicity, which in most cases was <10%. EC₅₀values were calculated using nonlinear regression analysis of sigmoid dose-response (variable slope) curves from plots of log verses viability values.

Results obtained using these procedures are shown in Table 9.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each independent publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure that come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and follows in the scope of the claims.

Other embodiments are within the claims.