Abstract: The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds which are inhibitors of interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme. The ICE inhibitors of this invention are characterized by specific structural and physicochemical features. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting ICE activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as agents against an IL-1 mediated disease, an apoptosis mediated disease, AML, CML, melanoma, myeloma, Kaposi's sarcoma, graft vs host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorder, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, myeloma, apoptosis, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic heart disease diseases. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting ICE activity and methods for treating interleukin-1 mediated diseases using the compounds and compositions of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds which are inhibitors of interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting ICE activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as agents against interleukin-1 and apoptosis-mediated diseases, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, proliferative, infectious, and degenerative diseases. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting ICE activity and methods for treating interleukin-1 mediated diseases using the compounds and compositions of this invention.