Pyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]triazine-5,7(1H,6H)-dione derivatives exhibited potent cytoprotective effect from rotenone toxicity. Lead optimization focused on the CC50/EC50 ratio and DMPK properties led to the overall improvement of the compound profile of this series with high CC50/EC50 ratio (92 for 1f), good metabolic stability in rat microsomes and medium to high aqueous solubility.