This invention provides a method of treating a disease state in mammals that is alleviated by treatment with a protein kinase inhibitor, especially an ERK inhibitor, which method comprises administering a compound having the pharmacophoric features Grp 1, Grp 2 and Grp 3: ##STR1##

Grp 1 is an optionally substituted aryl or aliphatic group; Grp 2 is a heteroaromatic ring having one to three nitrogens, said ring comprising a hydrogen bond acceptor HBA2 optionally bonded to a hydrogen bond donor HBD2, and Grp 3 is a heteroaromatic ring comprising a hydrogen bond donor HBD1, with distances between the pharmacophoric features defined in the specification. The method is useful for treating cancer, stroke, diabetes, hepatomegaly, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, viral disease, autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, restenosis, psoriasis, allergic reactions, inflammation, neurological disorders or a hormone-related disease.