3-((R)-4-(((R)-6-(2-Bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-(thiazol-2-yl)-3,6-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)methyl)morpholin-2-yl)propanoic Acid (HEC72702), a Novel Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Inhibitor Based on Clinical Candidate GLS4.

The inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly is a novel strategy for the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapeutics. On the basis of the preclinical properties and clinical results of GLS4, we carried out further investigation to seek a better candidate compound with appropriate anti-HBV potency, reduced hERG activity, decreased CYP enzyme induction, and improved pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. To this end, we have successfully found that morpholine carboxyl analogues with comparable anti-HBV activities to that of GLS4 showed decreased hERG activities, but they displayed strong CYP3A4 induction in a concentration-dependent manner, except for morpholine propionic acid analogues.

Influences on viral replication and sensitivity to GLS4, a HAP compound, of naturally occurring T109/V124 mutations in hepatitis B virus core protein.

Heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) compounds inhibit HBV replication by binding to a hydrophobic pocket at the interface between hepatitis B virus core protein (HBcAg) dimer, which interrupts capsid assembly by changing the kinetics and thermodynamics during this process. Structure biological studies have identified several amino acids in HBcAg crucial for compound binding. Here, we investigated the polymorphisms of T109 and V124 amino acids in HBV sequences submitted to GenBank database.

Discovery of hepatitis B virus capsid assembly inhibitors leading to a heteroaryldihydropyrimidine based clinical candidate (GLS4).

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly is a novel strategy for the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapeutics. Herein we described our lead optimization studies including the synthesis, molecular docking studies and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of a series of novel heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) inhibitors of HBV capsid assembly inhibitors, and the discovery of a potent inhibitor of HBV capsid assembly of GLS4 (ethyl 4-[2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl]-6-[morpholino-methyl]-2-[2-thiazolyl]-1,4-dihydro-pyrimidine-5-carboxylate) which is now in clinical phase 2. GLS4 demonstrated potent inhibitory activities in HBV HepG2.

Preclinical characterization of GLS4, an inhibitor of hepatitis B virus core particle assembly.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated chronic liver diseases are treated with nucleoside analogs that target the virus polymerase. While these analogs are potent, drugs are needed to target other virus-encoded gene products to better block the virus replication cycle and chronic liver disease. This work further characterized GLS4 and compared it to the related BAY 41-4109, both of which trigger aberrant HBV core particle assembly, where the virus replication cycle occurs.

IKCa-channel blockers. Part 2: discovery of cyclohexadienes.

Novel cyclohexadienes have been identified as potent and specific IK(Ca)-channel blockers. In this communication we describe their synthesis as well as their chemical and biological properties. A selected derivative is being enriched in rat brain and reduces the infarct volume, intracranial pressure as well as the water content in a rat subdural hematoma model of traumatic brain injury after iv administration.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by drug-induced depletion of nucleocapsids.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver disease. Only interferon-alpha and the nucleosidic inhibitors of the viral polymerase, 3TC and adefovir, are approved for therapy. However, these therapies are limited by the side effects of interferon and the substantial resistance of the virus to nucleosidic inhibitors.