The invention provides a series of substituted aryl pyrimidine compounds and the use of these compounds as therapeutics to treat or prevent neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinsons disease. Compounds of the invention are also able to treat the symptoms of such diseases and therefore represent a new treatment modality for ameliorating chronic and acute conditions. The compounds of the invention are capable of selectively potentiating the activity of the Nurr1:RXR heterodimer, and are able to treat diseases or conditions associated with aberrant Nurr1:RXR function. The invention further provides methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders by administration of Nurr1:RXR activating agents
