Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel class of sulfonamide compounds. Compounds of the invention contain a core sulfonamide group. Variable moieties connected to the sulfur atom and nitrogen atom of the sulfonamide group include substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl moieties, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle moieties, polycyclic moieties, halogen, alkoxy, ether, ester, amide, sulfonyl, sulfonamidyl, sulfide, carbamate, and the like. Invention compounds are capable of a wide variety of uses. For example sulfonamide compounds can act to modulate production of amyloid ? protein and are useful in the prevention or treatment of a variety of diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions containing invention compounds are also provided. Such compositions have wide utility for the prevention or treatment of a variety of diseases.