The present invention relates to sulfonylureas and sulfonylthioureas comprising a 5-membered heteroaryl ring attached to the sulfonyl group, wherein the heteroaryl ring is di-substituted at the 3- and 4-positions relative to the point of attachment of the sulfonyl group, wherein at least one of the di-substituents contains a nitrogen atom. The present invention further relates to salts, solvates and prodrugs of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and to the use of such compounds in the treatment and prevention of medical disorders and diseases, most especially by the inhibition of NLRP3.