Therapeutic efficacy of the small molecule GS-5734 against Ebola virus in rhesus monkeys.

The most recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, which was unprecedented in the number of cases and fatalities, geographic distribution, and number of nations affected, highlights the need for safe, effective, and readily available antiviral agents for treatment and prevention of acute Ebola virus (EBOV) disease (EVD) or sequelae. No antiviral therapeutics have yet received regulatory approval or demonstrated clinical efficacy. Here we report the discovery of a novel small molecule GS-5734, a monophosphoramidate prodrug of an adenosine analogue, with antiviral activity against EBOV. GS-5734 exhibits antiviral activity against multiple variants of EBOV and other filoviruses in cell-based assays. The pharmacologically active nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) is efficiently formed in multiple human cell types incubated with GS-5734 in vitro, and the NTP acts as an alternative substrate and RNA-chain terminator in primer-extension assays using a surrogate respiratory syncytial virus RNA polymerase. Intravenous administration of GS-5734 to nonhuman primates resulted in persistent NTP levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (half-life, 14 h) and distribution to sanctuary sites for viral replication including testes, eyes, and brain. In a rhesus monkey model of EVD, once-daily intravenous administration of 10 mg kg(-1) GS-5734 for 12 days resulted in profound suppression of EBOV replication and protected 100% of EBOV-infected animals against lethal disease, ameliorating clinical disease signs and pathophysiological markers, even when treatments were initiated three days after virus exposure when systemic viral RNA was detected in two out of six treated animals. These results show the first substantive post-exposure protection by a small-molecule antiviral compound against EBOV in nonhuman primates. The broad-spectrum antiviral activity of GS-5734 in vitro against other pathogenic RNA viruses, including filoviruses, arenaviruses, and coronaviruses, suggests the potential for wider medical use. GS-5734 is amenable to large-scale manufacturing, and clinical studies investigating the drug safety and pharmacokinetics are ongoing.

Discovery of ß-D-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro-4'-α-cyano-5-aza-7,9-dideaza adenosine as a potent nucleoside inhibitor of respiratory syncytial virus with excellent selectivity over mitochondrial RNA and DNA polymerases.

Novel 4'-substituted ß-d-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro (2'd2'F) nucleoside inhibitors of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are reported. The introduction of 4'-substitution onto 2'd2'F nucleoside analogs resulted in compounds demonstrating potent cell based RSV inhibition, improved inhibition of the RSV polymerase by the nucleoside triphosphate metabolites, and enhanced selectivity over incorporation by mitochondrial RNA and DNA polymerases. Selectivity over the mitochondrial polymerases was found to be extremely sensitive to the specific 4'-substitution and not readily predictable. Combining the most potent and selective 4'-groups from N-nucleoside analogs onto a 2'd2'F C-nucleoside analog resulted in the identification of ß-D-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro-4'-α-cyano-5-aza-7,9-dideaza adenosine as a promising nucleoside lead for RSV.

Structure-activity relationships of diamine inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A as novel pharmacoenhancers, part I: core region.

Ritonavir (RTV), an HIV-1 protease inhibitor (PI), is also a potent mechanism-based inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and has been widely prescribed as a pharmacoenhancer. As a boosting agent for marketed PIs, it reduces pill burden, and improves compliance. Removal of the hydroxyl group from RTV reduces, but does not eliminate HIV PI activity and does not affect CYP3A inhibition. Herein we report the discovery of a novel series of CYP3A inhibitors that are devoid of antiviral activity. The synthesis and evaluation of analogs with extensive modifications of the 1,4-diamine core along with the structure activity relationships with respect to anti-HIV activity, CYP3A inhibitory activity, selectivity against other CYP enzymes and the human pregnane X receptor (PXR) will be discussed.

Discovery of GS-7682, a Novel 4'-Cyano-Modified C-Nucleoside Prodrug with Broad Activity against Pneumo- and Picornaviruses and Efficacy in RSV-Infected African Green Monkeys.

Acute respiratory viral infections, such as pneumovirus and respiratory picornavirus infections, exacerbate disease in COPD and asthma patients. A research program targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) led to the discovery of GS-7682 (1), a novel phosphoramidate prodrug of a 4'-CN-4-aza-7,9-dideazaadenosine C-nucleoside GS-646089 (2) with broad antiviral activity against RSV (EC50 = 3-46 nM), human metapneumovirus (EC50 = 210 nM), human rhinovirus (EC50 = 54-61 nM), and enterovirus (EC50 = 83-90 nM). Prodrug optimization for cellular potency and lung cell metabolism identified 5'-methyl [(S)-hydroxy(phenoxy)phosphoryl]-l-alaninate in combination with 2',3'-diisobutyrate promoieties as being optimal for high levels of intracellular triphosphate formation in vitro and in vivo. 1 demonstrated significant reductions of viral loads in the lower respiratory tract of RSV-infected African green monkeys when administered once daily via intratracheal nebulized aerosol. Together, these findings support additional evaluation of 1 and its analogues as potential therapeutics for pneumo- and picornaviruses.

Evaluation of 2'-α-fluorine modified nucleoside phosphonates as potential inhibitors of HCV polymerase.

Ribonucleoside phosphonate analogues containing 2'-α-fluoro modifications were synthesized and their potency evaluated against HCV RNA polymerase. The diphosphophosphonate (triphosphate equivalent) adenine and cytidine analogues displayed potent inhibition of the HCV polymerase in the range of 1.9-2.1 µM, but only modest cell-based activity in the HCV replicon. Pro-drugs of the parent nucleoside phosphonates improved the cell-based activity.

Prodrugs of a 1'-CN-4-Aza-7,9-dideazaadenosine C-Nucleoside Leading to the Discovery of Remdesivir (GS-5734) as a Potent Inhibitor of Respiratory Syncytial Virus with Efficacy in the African Green Monkey Model of RSV.

A discovery program targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) identified C-nucleoside 4 (RSV A2 EC50 = 530 nM) as a phenotypic screening lead targeting the RSV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Prodrug exploration resulted in the discovery of remdesivir (1, GS-5734) that is >30-fold more potent than 4 against RSV in HEp-2 and NHBE cells. Metabolism studies in vitro confirmed the rapid formation of the active triphosphate metabolite, 1-NTP, and in vivo studies in cynomolgus and African Green monkeys demonstrated a >10-fold higher lung tissue concentration of 1-NTP following molar normalized IV dosing of 1 compared to that of 4. A once daily 10 mg/kg IV administration of 1 in an African Green monkey RSV model demonstrated a >2-log10 reduction in the peak lung viral load. These early data following the discovery of 1 supported its potential as a novel treatment for RSV prior to its development for Ebola and approval for COVID-19 treatment.

Discovery of GS-9131: Design, synthesis and optimization of amidate prodrugs of the novel nucleoside phosphonate HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor GS-9148.

GS-9148 [(5-(6-amino-purin-9-yl)-4-fluoro-2,5-dihydro-furan-2-yloxymethyl)phosphonic acid] 4 is a novel nucleoside phosphonate HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor with a unique resistance profile toward N(t)RTI resistance mutations. To effectively deliver 4 and its active phosphorylated metabolite 15 into target cells, a series of amidate prodrugs were designed as substrates of cathepsin A, an intracellular lysosomal carboxypeptidase highly expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The ethylalaninyl phosphonamidate prodrug 5 (GS-9131) demonstrated favorable cathepsin A substrate properties, in addition to favorable in vitro intestinal and hepatic stabilities. Following oral dosing (3mg/kg) in Beagle dogs, high levels (>9.0microM) of active metabolite 15 were observed in PBMCs, validating the prodrug design process and leading to the nomination of 5 as a clinical candidate.

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of 2'-fluorine modified nucleoside phosphonates: analogs of GS-9148.

Modified purine analogs of GS-9148 [5-(6-amino-purin-9-yl)-4-fluoro-2,5-dihydro-furan-2-yloxymethyl]-phosphonic acid (2'-Fd4AP) were synthesized and their anti-HIV potency evaluated. The antiviral activity of guanosine analog (2'-Fd4GP) was comparable that of to 2'-Fd4AP in MT-2 cells, but selectivity was reduced.

Discovery of a Potent and Orally Bioavailable Cyclophilin Inhibitor Derived from the Sanglifehrin Macrocycle.

Cyclophilins are a family of peptidyl-prolyl isomerases that are implicated in a wide range of diseases including hepatitis C. Our aim was to discover through total synthesis an orally bioavailable, non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin (Cyp) inhibitor with potent anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity that could serve as part of an all oral antiviral combination therapy. An initial lead 2 derived from the sanglifehrin A macrocycle was optimized using structure based design to produce a potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor 3. The macrocycle ring size was reduced by one atom, and an internal hydrogen bond drove improved permeability and drug-like properties. 3 demonstrates potent Cyp inhibition ( Kd = 5 nM), potent anti-HCV 2a activity (EC50 = 98 nM), and high oral bioavailability in rat (100%) and dog (55%). The synthetic accessibility and properties of 3 support its potential as an anti-HCV agent and for interrogating the role of Cyp inhibition in a variety of diseases.

Synthesis, anti-HIV activity, and resistance profiles of ribose modified nucleoside phosphonates.

A series of nucleoside phosphonate reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors have been synthesized and their anti-HIV activity and resistance profiles evaluated. The most potent analog [5-(6-amino-purin-9-yl)-2,5-dihydro-furan-2-yloxymethyl]-phosphonic acid (d4AP) demonstrated a HIV EC(50)=2.1 microM, and the most favorable resistance profile against HIV-1 variants with K65R, M184V or multiple thymidine analog mutations in RT.

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of cyclic pyrimidine phosphonomethoxy nucleosides and their prodrugs: a comparison of phosphonates and corresponding nucleosides.

Cyclic phosphonomethoxy pyrimidine nucleosides that are bioisosteres of the monophosphate metabolites of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors AZT, d4T, and ddC have been synthesized. The RT inhibitory activities of the phosphonates were reduced for both dideoxy (dd) and dideoxydidehydro (d4) analogs compared to the nucleosides. Bis-isopropyloxymethylcarbonyl (BisPOC) prodrugs were prepared on selected compounds and provided > 150-fold improvements in antiviral activity.

GS-5734 and its parent nucleoside analog inhibit Filo-, Pneumo-, and Paramyxoviruses.

GS-5734 is a monophosphate prodrug of an adenosine nucleoside analog that showed therapeutic efficacy in a non-human primate model of Ebola virus infection. It has been administered under compassionate use to two Ebola patients, both of whom survived, and is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for treatment of Ebola virus disease. Here we report the antiviral activities of GS-5734 and the parent nucleoside analog across multiple virus families, providing evidence to support new indications for this compound against human viruses of significant public health concern.

Discovery and Synthesis of a Phosphoramidate Prodrug of a Pyrrolo[2,1-f][triazin-4-amino] Adenine C-Nucleoside (GS-5734) for the Treatment of Ebola and Emerging Viruses.

The recent Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa was the largest recorded in history with over 28,000 cases, resulting in >11,000 deaths including >500 healthcare workers. A focused screening and lead optimization effort identified 4b (GS-5734) with anti-EBOV EC50 = 86 nM in macrophages as the clinical candidate. Structure activity relationships established that the 1'-CN group and C-linked nucleobase were critical for optimal anti-EBOV potency and selectivity against host polymerases. A robust diastereoselective synthesis provided sufficient quantities of 4b to enable preclinical efficacy in a non-human-primate EBOV challenge model. Once-daily 10 mg/kg iv treatment on days 3-14 postinfection had a significant effect on viremia and mortality, resulting in 100% survival of infected treated animals [ Nature 2016 , 531 , 381 - 385 ]. A phase 2 study (PREVAIL IV) is currently enrolling and will evaluate the effect of 4b on viral shedding from sanctuary sites in EBOV survivors.

Elaborate manifold of short hydrogen bond arrays mediating binding of active site-directed serine protease inhibitors.

An extensive structural manifold of short hydrogen bond-mediated, active site-directed, serine protease inhibition motifs is revealed in a set of over 300 crystal structures involving a large suite of small molecule inhibitors (2-(2-phenol)-indoles and 2-(2-phenol)-benzimidazoles) determined over a wide range of pH (3.5-11.4). The active site hydrogen-bonding mode was found to vary markedly with pH, with the steric and electronic properties of the inhibitor, and with the type of protease (trypsin, thrombin or urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA)). The pH dependence of the active site hydrogen-bonding motif is often intricate, constituting a distinct fingerprint of each complex. Isosteric replacements or minor substitutions within the inhibitor that modulate the pK(a) of the phenol hydroxyl involved in short hydrogen bonding, or that affect steric interactions distal to the active site, can significantly shift the pH-dependent structural profile characteristic of the parent scaffold, or produce active site-binding motifs unique to the bound analog. Ionization equilibria at the active site associated with inhibitor binding are probed in a series of the protease-inhibitor complexes through analysis of the pH dependence of the structure and environment of the active site-binding groups involved in short hydrogen bond arrays. Structures determined at high pH (>11), suggest that the pK(a) of His57 is dramatically elevated, to a value as high as approximately 11 in certain complexes. K(i) values involving uPA and trypsin determined as a function of pH for a set of inhibitors show pronounced parabolic pH dependence, the pH for optimal inhibition governed by the pK(a) of the inhibitor phenol involved in short hydrogen bonds. Comparison of structures of trypsin, thrombin and uPA, each bound by the same inhibitor, highlights important structural variations in the S1 and active sites accessible for engineering notable selectivity into remarkably small molecules with low nanomolar K(i) values.

Discovery of an oral respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitor (GS-5806) and clinical proof of concept in a human RSV challenge study.

GS-5806 is a novel, orally bioavailable RSV fusion inhibitor discovered following a lead optimization campaign on a screening hit. The oral absorption properties were optimized by converting to the pyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine heterocycle, while potency, metabolic, and physicochemical properties were optimized by introducing the para-chloro and aminopyrrolidine groups. A mean EC50 = 0.43 nM was found toward a panel of 75 RSV A and B clinical isolates and dose-dependent antiviral efficacy in the cotton rat model of RSV infection. Oral bioavailability in preclinical species ranged from 46 to 100%, with evidence of efficient penetration into lung tissue. In healthy human volunteers experimentally infected with RSV, a potent antiviral effect was observed with a mean 4.2 log10 reduction in peak viral load and a significant reduction in disease severity compared to placebo. In conclusion, a potent, once daily, oral RSV fusion inhibitor with the potential to treat RSV infection in infants and adults is reported.

Improved signal-to-noise ratio performance in magnetic resonance imaging by using a multilayered surface coil array--a simulation study.

A multilayered surface coil array for magnetic resonance imaging with an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance is introduced and investigated by a simulation study. By using an effective decoupling method, the strong mutual coupling effect between the coil layers can be accurately removed, leading to a coherent combination of the signals of the individual coils. This results in a much stronger received signal power which increases with the number of coil layers in the array. This, together with a smaller rate of increase of noise power with the number of coil layers, leads to a net increase in the SNR of array output with the number of coil layers in the array. Rigorous numerical simulation examples have been carried out to confirm and verify the performance of the new array.

Identification and optimization of pteridinone Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists for the oral treatment of viral hepatitis.

Pteridinone-based Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists were identified as potent and selective alternatives to the previously reported adenine-based agonists, leading to the discovery of GS-9620. Analogues were optimized for the immunomodulatory activity and selectivity versus other TLRs, based on differential induction of key cytokines including interferon α (IFN-α) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). In addition, physicochemical properties were adjusted to achieve desirable in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. GS-9620 is currently in clinical evaluation for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

Increasing the signal-to-noise ratio by using vertically stacked phased array coils for low-field magnetic resonance imaging.

A new method is introduced to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems by using a vertically stacked phased coil array. It is shown theoretically that the SNR is increased with the square root of the number of coils in the array if the array signals are properly combined to remove the mutual coupling effect. Based on this, a number of vertically stacked phased coil arrays have been designed and characterized by a numerical simulation method. The performance of these arrays confirms the significant increase of SNR by increasing the number of coils in the arrays. This provides a simple and efficient method to improve the SNR for low-field MRI systems.

Synthesis of ester prodrugs of 9-(S)-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2,6-diaminopurine (HPMPDAP) as anti-poxvirus agents.

9-(S)-[3-Hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2,6-diaminopurine (HPMPDAP) and its cyclic form were selected for further evaluation as potential drug candidates against poxvirus infections. To increase bioavailability of these compounds, synthesis of their structurally diverse ester prodrugs was carried out: alkoxyalkyl (hexadecyloxypropyl, octadecyloxyethyl, hexadecyloxyethyl), pivaloyloxymethyl (POM), 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, butylsalicylyl, and prodrugs based on peptidomimetics. Most HPMPDAP prodrugs were synthesized in the form of monoesters as well as the corresponding cyclic phosphonate esters. The activity was evaluated not only against vaccinia virus but also against different herpes viruses. The most potent and active prodrugs against vaccinia virus were the alkoxyalkyl ester derivatives of HPMPDAP, with 50% effective concentrations 400-600-fold lower than those of the parent compound. Prodrugs based on peptidomimetics, the 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, the POM, and the butylsalicylyl derivatives, were able to inhibit vaccinia virus replication at 50% effective concentrations that were equivalent or ∼10-fold lower than those observed for the parent compounds.