Abstract: The present disclosure provides PROTAC compounds represented by Formula (A): D-L-DSM (A), or an enantiomer, a diastereoisomer, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any one of the foregoing, wherein: DSM is a degradation signaling compound {e.g., an E3 ubiquitin ligase recruitment ligand, such as a CRBN ligand or a VHL ligand) covalently attached to a linker L; L is a linker that covalently attaches DSM to D; and D is a Bcl-xL inhibitor compound of Formula (I) or Formula (II) covalently attached to the linker L: (I); (II) wherein the definitions for the variables are described herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the PROTAC compounds of the present disclosure and methods of use and methods of making thereof.

Abstract: Caspase activity and apoptosis are promoted using active, dimeric Smac peptide mimetics of the general formula M1-M2, wherein moieties M1 and M2 are monomeric Smac mimetics and L is a covalent linker. Target cancerous or inflammatory cells are contacted with an effective amount of an active, dimeric Smac mimetic, and a resultant increase in apoptosis of the target cells is detected. The contacting step may be effected by administering to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the dimeric mimetic, wherein the individual may be subject to concurrent or antecedent radiation or chemotherapy for treatment of a neoproliferative pathology.