Heterocyclic ketone and thioester compounds and uses

Abstract

This invention relates to neurotrophic, low molecular weight, small molecule heterocyclic ketone and thioester compounds, compositions containing the same, and the use of such compounds for treating neurological disorders, including physically damaged nerves and neurodegenerative diseases.

1 .- 83 . (canceled)  
     
     
         84 . A neurotrophic, low molecular weight, small molecule N-glyoxyl heterocyclic ketone or thioester compound having an affinity for an FKBP-type immunophilin:  
     
     
         85 . The neurotrophic compound of  claim 84 , wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP-12.  
     
     
         86 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising: 
 (i) a neurotrophic, low molecular weight, small molecule N-glyoxyl heterocyclic ketone or thioester compound having an affinity for an FKBP-type immunophilin; and    (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.    
     
     
         87 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 86 , wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP-12.  
     
     
         88 . A method for effecting a neuronal activity, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a neurotrophic, low molecular weight, small molecule N-glyoxyl heterocyclic ketone or thioester compound having an affinity for an FKBP-type immunophilin.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein the neuronal activity is stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration, or treatment of a neurological disorder.  
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the neurological disorder is peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, traumatic injury to the brain, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, or neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration is Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP-12.