Fused heterocyclic amido compounds as anti-hepatitis C virus agents.

ABSTRACT

We identified a fused heteroaromatic amido structure based on the phenanthridine skeleton as a superior scaffold for candidate drugs with potent anti-HCV activity. Among the compounds synthesized, a phenanthridine analogue with a 1,3-dioxolyl group (24) possessed the most potent anti-HCV activity (EC(50) value 50 nM), with acceptable cytotoxicity. The structural development and structure-activity relationships of these compounds are described.