Enantiomeric Atropisomers Inhibit HCV Polymerase and/or HIV Matrix: Characterizing Hindered Bond Rotations and Target Selectivity

An anthranilic acid series of allosteric thumb pocket 2 HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors exhibited hindered rotation along a covalent bond axis, and the existence of atropisomer chirality was confirmed by NMR, HPLC analysis on chiral supports, and computational studies. A thorough understanding of the concerted rotational properties and the influence exerted by substituents involved in this steric phenomenon was attained through biophysical studies on a series of truncated analogues. The racemization half-life of a compound within this series was determined to be 69 min, which was consistent with a class 2 atropisomer (intermediate conformational exchange). It was further found by X-ray crystallography that one enantiomer of a compound bound to the intended HCV NS5B polymerase target whereas the mirror image atropisomer was able to bind to an unrelated HIV matrix target. Analogues were then identified that selectively inhibited the former. These studies highlight that atropisomer chirality can lead to distinct entities with specific properties, and the phenomenon of atropisomerism in drug discovery should be evaluated and appropriately managed

Conformation-Based Restrictions and Scaffold Replacements in the Design of Hepatitis C Virus Polymerase Inhibitors: Discovery of Deleobuvir (BI 207127)

Conformational restrictions of flexible torsion angles were used to guide the identification of new chemotypes of HCV NS5B inhibitors. Sites for rigidification were based on an acquired conformational understanding of compound binding requirements and the roles of substituents in the free and bound states. Chemical bioisosteres of amide bonds were explored to improve cell-based potency. Examples are shown, including the design concept that led to the discovery of the phase III clinical candidate deleobuvir (BI 207127). The structure-based strategies employed have general utility in drug design

Discovery of BI 207524, an Indole Diamide NS5B Thumb Pocket 1 Inhibitor with Improved Potency for the Potential Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The development of interferon-free regimens for the treatment of chronic HCV infection constitutes a preferred option that is expected in the future to provide patients with improved efficacy, better tolerability, and reduced risk for emergence of drug-resistant virus. We have pursued non-nucleoside NS5B polymerase allosteric inhibitors as combination partners with other direct acting antivirals (DAAs) having a complementary mechanism of action. Herein, we describe the discovery of a potent follow-up compound (BI 207524, <b>27</b>) to the first thumb pocket 1 NS5B inhibitor to demonstrate antiviral activity in genotype 1 HCV infected patients, BILB 1941 (<b>1</b>). Cell-based replicon potency was significantly improved through electronic modulation of the p<i>K</i>_a of the carboxylic acid function of the lead molecule. Subsequent ADME-PK optimization lead to <b>27</b>, a predicted low clearance compound in man. The preclinical profile of inhibitor <b>27</b> is discussed, as well as the identification of a genotoxic metabolite that led to the discontinuation of the development of this compound