Compounds for use in prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disease and pain are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the compound is selected from the group consisting of N6-[(3-halothien-2-yl)methyl]adenosine, N6-[(4-halothien-2-yl)methyl]adenosine, and N6-[(5-halothien-2-yl)methyl]adenosine. In another embodiment of the invention, the compound is selected from the group consisting of N6-[(2-bromothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, N6-[(4-bromothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, N6-[(5-bromothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine N6-[(2-chlorothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, N6-[(4-chlorothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, and N6-[(5-chlorothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the same.
