Neuroprotective 3-phenylacrylonitrile (3-PAN) derivatives

Use of a compound of the following formula in the treatment or prophylaxis of neurodegeneration: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each selected from hydrogen and a substituent; W is selected from hydrogen and saturated C1-6 alkyl; Q is selected from CN and a carbonyl-linked substituent. These compounds are useful as neuroprotectives, for example, in the treatment or prophylaxis of neurodegeneration, a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, etc. In further aspects, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, for example, as neuroprotectives, for example, in the treatment or prophylaxis of neurodegeneration, for example, Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington's disease (HD), etc.