Compositions and methods for inhibiting proteases

Abstract

In particular, in alternative embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceutical compounds and formulations comprising a family of epoxyketone compounds, which include racemic mixtures or racemates, isomers, stereoisomers, diastereoisomers, derivatives and analogs, and methods for making and using them. In alternative embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations of the invention are administered to an individual in need thereof in an amount sufficient to treat, prevent, reverse and/or ameliorate an infection, disease or condition that can be ameliorated, treated, prevented or reversed by partially or completely inhibiting a chymotrypsin-like protease or a proteasome activity, including e.g., a retroviral infection such as human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, an immune disorder, a neurodegenerative disease or condition, or a cancer such as a myeloma or multiple myeloma, an adenocarcinoma such as a lung adenocarcinoma, a pancreatic cancer, a B-cell related cancer, and lymphomas such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.