Diastereomeric Resolution Yields Highly Potent Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

J Med Chem. 2022 Oct 13;65(19):13328-13342. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01131. Epub 2022 Sep 30.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent behind the COVID-19 pandemic. The main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a key enzyme that processes polyproteins translated from the viral RNA. Mpro is therefore an attractive target for the design of inhibitors that block viral replication. We report the diastereomeric resolution of the previously designed SARS-CoV-2 Mpro α-ketoamide inhibitor 13b. The pure (S,S,S)-diastereomer, 13b-K, displays an IC50 of 120 nM against the Mpro and EC50 values of 0.8-3.4 μM for antiviral activity in different cell types. Crystal structures have been elucidated for the Mpro complexes with each of the major diastereomers, the active (S,S,S)-13b (13b-K), and the nearly inactive (R,S,S)-13b (13b-H); results for the latter reveal a novel binding mode. Pharmacokinetic studies show good levels of 13b-K after inhalative as well as after peroral administration. The active inhibitor (13b-K) is a promising candidate for further development as an antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Polyproteins
  • Protease Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • RNA, Viral
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • 3C-like proteinase, SARS-CoV-2
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Polyproteins
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • SARS-CoV-2-IN-1