An analysis of the binding of the 8-O-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-12-aminododecanoyl derivative of 8-O-debutanoylthapsigargin to the target molecule, the SERCA pump, has revealed the importance of the length and flexibility of the side chain attached to O-8. Based on the analysis a series of analogues to the 2-unsubstituted analogue trilobolide has been constructed and shown to be equipotent with thapsigargin as SERCA inhibitors. Only the 12-Boc-aminododecaonoyl derivative, however, was found to be apoptotic.