The present invention relates to novel chemical compounds, methods for theirdiscovery, and their therapeutic use. In particular, the present inventionprovides novel 1,4- benzodiazepine-2,5-dione compounds, and methods of usingnovel l,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione compounds as therapeutic agents to treat anumber of conditions associated with the faulty regulation of the processes ofprogrammed cell death, autoimmunity, inflammation, hyperproliferation, and thelike.