Abstract: This invention provides novel compounds selected from the group consisting of a 1,5-substituted pyrimidine derivative or analog and substituted furano-pyrimidone analogs. The compounds are useful to treat or prevent diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying potential therapeutic agents by contacting a target cell with a candidate therapeutic agent which is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme in the cell which is enhanced in its expression as a result of selection by biologic or chemotherapy. This invention also provides methods and examples of molecules for selectively killing a pathological cell by contacting the cell with a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme. The prodrug is subsequently converted to a cellular toxin. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology characterized by pathological, hyperproliferative cells in a subject by administering to the subject a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, overexpressed, intracellular enzyme, and converted by the enzyme to a cellular toxin in the hyperproliferative cell.

Abstract: This invention provides novel substrate compounds that selectively inhibit the proliferation f path logical cells, for example, pathological cells that endogenously overexpress a target enzyme that confers resistance to biologic and chemotherapeutic agents. The enzyme acts on a substrate compound to 1) convert it to a cellular toxin and/or 2) release a toxic byproduct. In one embodiment, the activity of the target enzyme has been greatly enhanced in a target cell as a result of loss f tum r suppressor function and/or selection resulting from previous exposure to chemotherapy. In another embodiment, the pathological cell contains a target enzyme that is an expression product of an infectious agent in the cell. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a subject by delivering to the subject a prodrug as described herein. The prodrugs f this invention may be used alone or in combination with ther chemotherapeutics or alternative anti-cancer therapies such as radiation.

Abstract: This invention provides novel substrate compounds that selectively inhibit the proliferation of pathological cells, for example, pathological calls that endogenously overexpress a target enzyme that confers resistance to biologic and chemotherapeutic agents. The enzyme acts on a substrate compound to 1) convert it to a cellular toxin and/or 2) release a toxic byproduct. In one embodiment, the activity of the target enzyme has been greatly enhanced in a target cell as a result of loss of tumor suppressor function and/or selection resulting from previous exposure to chemotherapy. In another embodiment, the pathological cell contains a target enzyme that is an expression product of an infectious agent in the cell. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a subject by delivering to the subject a prodrug as described herein. The prodrugs of this invention may be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutics or alternative anti-cancer therapies such as radiation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying potential therapeutic agents by contacting a target cell with a candidate therapeutic agent which is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme in the cell which is enhanced in its expression as a result of selection by biologic or chemotherapy. This invention also provides methods and examples of molecules for selectively killing a pathological cell by contacting the cell with a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme. The prodrug is subsequently converted to a cellular toxin. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology characterized by pathological, hyperproliferative cells in a subject by administering to the subject a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, overexpressed, intracellular enzyme, and converted by the enzyme to a cellular toxin in the hyperproliferative cell.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying potential therapeutic agents by contacting a target cell with a candidate therapeutic agent which is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme in the cell which is enhanced in its expression as a result of selection by biologic or chemotherapy. This invention also provides methods and examples of molecules for selectively killing a pathological cell by contacting the cell with a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme. The prodrug is subsequently converted to a cellular toxin. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology characterized by pathological, hyperproliferative cells in a subject by administering to the subject a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, overexpressed, intracellular enzyme, and converted by the enzyme to a cellular toxin in the hyperproliferative cell.

Abstract: Boron heterocycle steroid mimics are provided that are useful as pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the treatment of estrogen-dependent disorders such as estrogen-dependent cancers. The compounds are also useful in diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), in boron neutron capture therapy, and in fluorescence emission-based modalities. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of using the novel compounds are provided as well.

Abstract: Boron heterocycle steroid mimics are provided that are useful as pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the treatment of estrogen-dependent disorders such as estrogen-dependent cancers. The compounds are also useful in diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), in boron neutron capture therapy, and in fluorescence emission-based modalities. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of using the novel compounds are provided as well.