A review on HCV inhibitors: Significance of non-structural polyproteins

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health issue, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Chronic HCV infection affects 130-150 million individuals worldwide, causing liver damage like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• HCV NS5B protein is a key therapeutic target for developing new antiviral drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on Hepatitis C virus NS5B protein inhibitors.
• To concentrate on hit identification, lead optimization, ADME evaluation, and SAR data for anti-HCV compounds.
• To provide a resource for medicinal chemists developing novel HCV therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published research on NS5B inhibitors and other functional inhibitors.
• Analysis of hit investigation and hit-to-lead optimization strategies.
• Evaluation of ADME parameters and Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) data for identified compounds.

Main Results:

• Several preclinical drug molecules targeting NS5B have emerged.
• The review details SAR and ADME data for various compound classes.
• Compound activity against NS5B and other relevant targets is discussed.

Conclusions:

• NS5B inhibitors represent a promising avenue for Hepatitis C virus treatment.
• This review offers valuable insights into the development of effective anti-HCV agents.
• Medicinal chemists can utilize this information to advance HCV drug discovery programs.