Journal : J Med Chem
Title : Non-rigid Diarylmethyl Analogs of Baloxavir as Cap-Dependent Endonuclease Inhibitors of Influenza Viruses.
Year : 2020
Volume : 63
Issue : 17
First Page : 9403
Last Page : 9420
Authors : Ivashchenko AA, Mitkin OD, Jones JC, Nikitin AV, Koryakova AG, Ryakhovskiy A, Karapetian RN, Kravchenko DV, Aladinskiy V, Leneva IA, Falynskova IN, Glubokova EA, Govorkova EA, Ivachtchenko AV.
Abstract : 4-Substituted 2,4-dioxobutanoic acids inhibit influenza virus cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) activity. Baloxavir marboxil, <b>4</b>, is approved for treating influenza virus infections. We describe here the synthesis and biological evaluation of active compounds, <b>5a</b>-<b>5g</b>, and their precursors (<b>6a</b>, <b>6b</b>, <b>6d</b>, and <b>6e</b>) with flexible bulky hydrophobic groups instead of the rigid polyheterocyclic moieties. In silico docking confirmed the ability of <b>5a</b>-<b>5g</b> to bind to the active site of influenza A CEN (PDB code: 6FS6) like baloxavir acid, <b>3</b>. These novel compounds inhibited polymerase complex activity, inhibited virus replication in cells, prevented death in a lethal influenza A virus mouse challenge model, and dramatically lowered viral lung titers. <b>5a</b> and <b>5e</b> potently inhibited different influenza genera in vitro. Precursors <b>6a</b> and <b>6d</b> demonstrated impressive mouse oral bioavailability with <b>6a</b>, providing effective in vivo protection. Thus, these novel compounds are potent CEN inhibitors with in vitro and in vivo activity comparable to baloxavir.