Pyrrolo[2,3-c][2,7]naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid compounds are provided. The pyrrolo[2,3-c][2,7]naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid compounds have the general formula:






where R1 is H, C1-C6 alkyl, or C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and R2 is C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C1-C6 cyanoalkyl, (CH2)2-3NR3R4, (CH2)1-2aryl, (CH2)1-2heteroaryl, C(O)—(CH2)2-3NR3R4, C(O)aryl, C(O)heteroaryl, S(O)2—(CH2)2-3NR3R4, S(O)2aryl, S(O)2heteroaryl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 halocycloalkyl, C3-C6 cyanocycloalkyl, aryl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl. The pyrrolo[2,3-c[2,7]naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid compounds inhibit protein kinase CK2 activity and may be used as anticancer agents, as well as agents for treating inflammation, pain, immunological disorders, diabetes, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.