Abstract: This invention relates to substituted ketone derivatives of formula (I) useful in the treatment of inflammation in lung, central nervous system, kidney, joints, endocardium, pericardium, eyes, ears, skin, gastrointestinal tract and urogenital system. More particularly, this invention relates to substituted ketone drivatives that are useful inhibitors of interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE). Interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE) has been identified as the enzyme responsible for converting precursor interleukin-1.beta. (IL-1.beta.) to biologically active IL-1.beta..

Abstract: Novel peptidyl derivatives of formula I are found to be potent inhibitors of interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE). Compounds of formula I may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory or immune-based diseases of the lung and airways; central nervous system and surrounding membranes; the eyes and ears; joints, bones, and connective tissues; cardiovascular system including the pericardium; the gastrointestinal and urogenital systems; the skin and mucosal membranes. Compounds of formula I are also useful in treating the complications of infection (e.g., gram negative shock) and tumors in which IL 1 functions as an autocrine growth factor or as a mediator of cachexia.