A series of 1, 1-diarylalkene derivatives were prepared to optimize the properties of CC- 5079 (1), a dual inhibitor of tubulin polymerization and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). By using the 3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl PDE4 pharmacophore as one of the aromatic rings, a significant improvement in PDE4 inhibition was achieved. Compound 28 was identified as a dual inhibitor with potent PDE4 (IC50= 54nM) and antitubulin activity (HCT-116 IC50= ...