Discovery of N-[4-[6-tert-butyl-5-methoxy-8-(6-methoxy-2-oxo-1H-pyridin-3-yl)-3-quinolyl]phenyl]methanesulfonamide (RG7109), a potent inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase.

In the past few years, there have been many advances in the efforts to cure patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The ultimate goal of these efforts is to develop a combination therapy consisting of only direct-antiviral agents (DAAs). In this paper, we discuss our efforts that led to the identification of a bicyclic template with potent activity against the NS5B polymerase, a critical enzyme on the life cycle of HCV. In continuation of our exploration to improve the stilbene series, the 3,5,6,8-tetrasubstituted quinoline core was identified as replacement of the stilbene moiety. 6-Methoxy-2(1H)-pyridone was identified among several heterocyclic headgroups to have the best potency. Solubility of the template was improved by replacing a planar aryl linker with a saturated pyrrolidine. Profiling of the most promising compounds led to the identification of quinoline 41 (RG7109), which was selected for advancement to clinical development.

Amino acid derived sulfonamide hydroxamates as inhibitors of procollagen C-proteinase. Part 2: Solid-phase optimization of side chains.

Optimization of the amino acid side chain and the N-alkyl group of the sulfonamide of amino acid derived sulfonamide hydroxamates is discussed. The solid-phase synthesis of these potent inhibitors of procollagen C-proteinase (PCP) is presented. In addition, novel carboxylic acid sulfonamides were discovered to be PCP inhibitors.