Inhibitors of MIF having a naphthyridine backbone are provided which have utility in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including the treatment of pathological conditions associated with MIF activity. The inhibitors of MIF have the following structures: including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. Compositions containing an inhibitor of MIF in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided, as well as methods for use of the same.