This invention describes the development of targeted small molecule inhibitors of the inv(16) fusion, the causative agent in &tilde12% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The inv(16) fusion results in expression of the CBF&bgr-SMMHC fusion protein in the blood cells of afflicted patients. The present invention provides compounds which inhibit the function of both CBF&bgr and the CBF&bgr-SMMHC fusion. These compounds block the growth of an inv(16) leukemia cell line as well as increase its apoptosis, while showing minimal effects against non inv(16) cell lines. As a mechanism to develop inhibitors with selectivity for the CBF&bgr-SMMHC fusion protein, the present invention further provides dimeric derivatives of these compounds which show both increased potency as well selectivity for CBF&bgr-SMMHC. These compounds show potent inhibition of an inv(16) leukemia cell line with minimal effects on non inv(16) cell lines. Analysis of the pharmacokinetics of the developed compounds has made it possible to improve the lifetime of the compound in the plasma of mice to a level commensurate with long-term treatment.
