Cyclopentane neuraminidase inhibitors with potent in vitro anti-influenza virus activities.
A novel series of cyclopentane derivatives have been found to exhibit potent and selective inhibitory effects on influenza virus neuraminidase. These compounds, designated RWJ-270201, BCX-1827, BCX-1898, and BCX-1923, were tested in parallel with zanamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate against a spectrum of influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1) and influenza B viruses in MDCK cells. Inhibition of viral cytopathic effect ascertained visually and by neutral red dye uptake was used, with 50% effective (virus-inhibitory) concentrations (EC(50)) determined. Against the H1N1 viruses A/Bayern/07/95, A/Beijing/262/95, A/PR/8/34, and A/Texas/36/91, EC(50)s (determined by neutral red assay) of the novel compounds were < or =1.5 microM. Twelve strains of H3N2 and two strains of avian H5N1 viruses were inhibited at <0.3 microM. Influenza B/Beijing/184/93 and B/Harbin/07/94 viruses were inhibited at <0.2 microM, with three other B virus strains inhibited at 0.8 to 8 microM. The novel inhibitors were comparable in potency to (or slightly more potent than) zanamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate. No cytotoxicity was seen with the compounds at concentrations of < or =1 mM in cell proliferation assays. The antiviral activity of RWJ-270201, chosen for clinical development, was studied in greater detail. Its potency and that of oseltamivir carboxylate decreased with increasing multiplicity of virus infection. Time-of-addition studies indicated that treatment with either compound needed to begin 0 to 12 h after virus exposure for optimal activity. Exposure of cells to RWJ-270201 caused most of the virus to remain cell associated, with extracellular virus decreasing in a concentration-dependent manner. This is consistent with its effect as a neuraminidase inhibitor. RWJ-270201 shows promise in the treatment of human influenza virus infections.
Smee
D F
DF
Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-5600, USA. dsmee@cc.usu.edu
Huffman
J H
JH
Morrison
A C
AC
Barnard
D L
DL
Sidwell
R W
RW
D000146:Acids, Carbocyclic; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003517:Cyclopentanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006146:Guanidines; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
D000146:Acids, Carbocyclic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D003517:Cyclopentanes; D006146:Guanidines; D012254:Ribavirin; D009439:Neuraminidase; C414210:peramivir