The synthesis and biological activity of indoloazepines and acid amine salts thereof which are structurally related to naturally-occurring hymenialdisine is disclosed. Naturally-occurring hymenialdisine obtained from the sponge is a potent inhibitor of production of cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF-.alpha.). The chemically-synthesized indoloazepines of the invention also inhibit production of IL-2 and TNF-.alpha.. The indoloazepines are useful for treating inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases associated with kinases NF-.kappa.B or GSK-3.beta. activation or NF-.kappa.B activated gene expression products. The indoloazepines are useful for the treatment of cancer by the inhibition of kinases CHK1 and CHK2.