The present invention relates to sulfonylureas and sulfonylthioureas comprising as-membered nitrogen-containing heteroaryl ring attached to the sulfonyl group, wherein the heteroaryl ring is substituted with at least one group containing an oxygen atom, and wherein said oxygen atom is attached to the heteroaryl ring via at least two other atoms. 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.