The present invention relates to naturally occurring and chemically synthesized
small molecule antagonists of Bcl-2 family proteins. In particular, the present invention provides
gossypol compounds (e.g., isomers, enantiomers, racemic compounds, metabolites, derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, in combination with acids or bases, and the like) and methods of using these compounds as antagonists of the anti-apoptotic effects of Bcl-2 family member proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and the like). The present invention also provides compositions comprising
gossypol compounds and optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents (e.g., anticancer / chemotherapeutic agents). The present invention also provides methods for treating diseases and pathologies (e.g., neoplastic diseases) comprising administering a composition comprising
gossypol compounds and optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents (e.g., anticancer / chemotherapeutic agents) and / or techniques (e.g.,
radiation therapies,
surgical interventions, and the like) to a subject or
in vitro cells, tissues, and organs.