Bis(benzoyloxybenzyl)-DiPPro nucleoside diphosphates of anti-HIV active nucleoside analogues

Nucleoside analogues are extensively used as antiviral and anticancer agents. Their efficiency is dependent on their metabolism into the ultimately active nucleoside triphosphates. Often one step or even more in the metabolism of the nucleoside to the triphosphate is inefficient. To overcome this hurdle, prodrugs of the nucleotides are needed. Bis(acyloxybenzyl)nucleoside diphosphates have been reported by us as a first example of an efficient nucleoside diphosphate prodrug (DiPPro nucleotides). Here, the synthesis and the properties of bis(benzoyloxybenzyl)nucleoside diphosphates of the nucleoside analogues d4T and AZT are disclosed. The synthesis was achieved by using a phosphoramidite/oxidation route. In chemical hydrolysis studies, most of the compounds formed a nucleoside diphosphate. This was confirmed in CEM cell extracts, although the prodrug stability in extracts was lower than in phosphate buffer. Furthermore, the stability and the amount of nucleoside diphosphate formed were dependent on the substituent in the benzoyl moiety. Some of the compounds were more active against HIV in thymidine kinase-deficient CEM/TK(-) cells than were d4T or AZT.