Synthetically-derived and previously inaccessible modifications of 20-hydroxy-vinca derivative compounds such as vinblastine, vincristine or vindesine are disclosed that are a stunning 100-fold more active than the natural product (IC.sub.50's 50-75 pM vs 7 nM, HCT116), and are now accessible as a result of advances in the total synthesis of the natural product. Illustrative new ultra-potent vinblastines bind tubulin with much higher affinity and likely further disrupt the tubulin head-to-tail / dimer-dimer interaction by virtue of the strategic placement of an added conformationally well-defined, rigid and extended C20-urea along the adjacent protein-protein interface. Added molecular complexity was used to markedly enhance target binding and functional biological activity, and represents a general approach to improving the properties of other natural products targeting a protein-protein interaction. A pharmaceutical composition containing an ultra-potent 20-hydroxy-vinca derivative compound and a method of treating cancerous cells with such a compound are also disclosed.

A vinca alkaloid compound substituted at the 20-position with a carboxamido group is disclosed. The carbonyl of the carboxamido group is bonded to a 20-amino group and to a ring system that contains up to three 5-, 6- or 7-membered rings that are fused or otherwise bonded together. Each ring can be carbocyclic or heterocyclic, with a heterocyclic ring containing up to three hetero ring atoms that are the same or different and are selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The ring system can include up to four substituent groups other than hydrogen that are discussed within. Methods of preparing the compounds are disclosed as are compositions for their use and methods of treatment using d compound. A particularly preferred compound has an activity in specified cancer cell growth inhibition assays that is the same or better than its parental, unsubstituted vinca compound and is not subject to Pgp-mediated efflux.

Disclosed herein, inter alia, are prodrug compositions and methods of using the same for treatment and detection of disease. Specifically, disclosed herein is a compound of formula (I) having spiro-fused 1,2,4-trioxolane and piperidine rings, namely, 1,2,4-trioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. ##STR00001##

Disclosed herein, inter alia, are prodrug compositions and methods of using the same for treatment and detection of disease. Specifically, disclosed herein is a compound of formula (I) having spiro-fused 1,2,4-trioxolane and piperidine rings, namely, 1,2,4-trioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. ##STR00001##

The invention provides novel methods for preparing indolinobenzodiazepine dimer compounds and their synthetic precursors.

The invention provides novel methods for preparing indolinobenzodiazepine dimer compounds and their synthetic precursors.

Disclosed herein, inter alia, are prodrug compositions and methods of using the same for treatment and detection of disease. Specifically, disclosed herein is a compound of formula (I) having spiro-fused 1,2,4-trioxolane and piperidine rings, namely, 1,2,4-trioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

##STR00001##

Disclosed herein, inter alia, are prodrug compositions and methods of using the same for treatment and detection of disease. Specifically, disclosed herein is a compound of formula (I) having spiro-fused 1,2,4-trioxolane and piperidine rings, namely, 1,2,4-trioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

##STR00001##

The invention provides novel methods for preparing indolinobenzodiazepine dimer compounds and their synthetic precursors.

The invention provides novel methods for preparing indolinobenzodiazepine dimer compounds and their synthetic precursors.