Abstract: Methods of screening for novel Aurora kinase inhibitors in higher organisms are provided using hypomorphic ipl1 mutant yeast cells. Putative Aurora kinase inhibitors identified by present screening methods may be useful in treating individuals having a proliferative disease, such as cancer. Chemical compounds identified by present methods as selectively inhibiting growth of hypomorphic ipl1 mutant yeast cells may be used in compositions. Compositions or compounds identified by such screening methods may be administered to an individual in need thereof.