1
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Chazot A, Zimberger C, Feracci M, Moussa A, Good S, Sommadossi JP, Alvarez K, Ferron F, Canard B. The activation cascade of the broad-spectrum antiviral bemnifosbuvir characterized at atomic resolution. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002743. [PMID: 39190717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bemnifosbuvir (AT-527) and AT-752 are guanosine analogues currently in clinical trials against several RNA viruses. Here, we show that these drugs require a minimal set of 5 cellular enzymes for activation to their common 5'-triphosphate AT-9010, with an obligate order of reactions. AT-9010 selectively inhibits essential viral enzymes, accounting for antiviral potency. Functional and structural data at atomic resolution decipher N6-purine deamination compatible with its metabolic activation. Crystal structures of human histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 1, adenosine deaminase-like protein 1, guanylate kinase 1, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase at 2.09, 2.44, 1.76, and 1.9 Å resolution, respectively, with cognate precursors of AT-9010 illuminate the activation pathway from the orally available bemnifosbuvir to AT-9010, pointing to key drug-protein contacts along the activation pathway. Our work provides a framework to integrate the design of antiviral nucleotide analogues, confronting requirements and constraints associated with activation enzymes along the 5'-triphosphate assembly line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Chazot
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Claire Zimberger
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Mikael Feracci
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Adel Moussa
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Steven Good
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Karine Alvarez
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - François Ferron
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Bruno Canard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
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2
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Humboldt A, Rami F, Topp FM, Arnold D, Göhringer D, Pallan PS, Egli M, Richert C. Prolinyl Phosphoramidates of Nucleotides with Increased Reactivity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319958. [PMID: 38300702 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Nucleoside monophosphates (NMPs) are the subunits of RNA. They are incorporated into growing complementary strands when sequences are copied in enzyme-free reactions using organic leaving groups at the phosphates. Amino acids are rarely considered as leaving groups, but proline can act as a leaving group when N-linked to NMPs, so that prolinyl NMPs hydrolyze in aqueous buffer at 37 °C, with half-life times as short as 2.4 h, and they act as monomers in enzyme-free primer extension. Still, their level of reactivity is insufficient for practical purposes, requiring months for some extensions. Herein we report the synthesis of eight substituted prolinyl AMPs together with seven related compounds and the results of a study of their reactivity. A δ-carboxy prolinyl NMP was found to be converted with a half-life time of just 11 min in magnesium-free buffer, and a δ-isopropyl prolinyl NMP was shown to react sevenfold faster than its prolinyl counterpart in enzyme-free genetic copying of RNA. Our results indicate that both anchimeric and steric effects can be employed to increase the reactivity of aminoacidyl nucleotides, i.e. compounds that combine two fundamental classes of biomolecules in one functional entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Humboldt
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Fabian Rami
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franka M Topp
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dejana Arnold
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Daniela Göhringer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pradeep S Pallan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, USA
| | - Martin Egli
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, USA
| | - Clemens Richert
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
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3
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Feracci M, Eydoux C, Fattorini V, Lo Bello L, Gauffre P, Selisko B, Sutto-Ortiz P, Shannon A, Xia H, Shi PY, Noel M, Debart F, Vasseur JJ, Good S, Lin K, Moussa A, Sommadossi JP, Chazot A, Alvarez K, Guillemot JC, Decroly E, Ferron F, Canard B. AT-752 targets multiple sites and activities on the Dengue virus replication enzyme NS5. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105574. [PMID: 36905944 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
AT-752 is a guanosine analogue prodrug active against dengue virus (DENV). In infected cells, it is metabolized into 2'-methyl-2'-fluoro guanosine 5'-triphosphate (AT-9010) which inhibits RNA synthesis in acting as a RNA chain terminator. Here we show that AT-9010 has several modes of action on DENV full-length NS5. AT-9010 does not inhibit the primer pppApG synthesis step significantly. However, AT-9010 targets two NS5-associated enzyme activities, the RNA 2'-O-MTase and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) at its RNA elongation step. Crystal structure and RNA methyltransferase (MTase) activities of the DENV 2 MTase domain in complex with AT-9010 at 1.97 Å resolution shows the latter bound to the GTP/RNA-cap binding site, accounting for the observed inhibition of 2'-O but not N7-methylation activity. AT-9010 is discriminated ∼10 to 14-fold against GTP at the NS5 active site of all four DENV1-4 NS5 RdRps, arguing for significant inhibition through viral RNA synthesis termination. In Huh-7 cells, DENV1-4 are equally sensitive to AT-281, the free base of AT-752 (EC50 ≈ 0.50 μM), suggesting broad spectrum antiviral properties of AT-752 against flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Feracci
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Cécilia Eydoux
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Véronique Fattorini
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Lea Lo Bello
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Pierre Gauffre
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Priscila Sutto-Ortiz
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Hongjie Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Mathieu Noel
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS-UM1-UM2, Department of Nucleic Acids, Montpellier University, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Françoise Debart
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS-UM1-UM2, Department of Nucleic Acids, Montpellier University, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Vasseur
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS-UM1-UM2, Department of Nucleic Acids, Montpellier University, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Steve Good
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - Kai Lin
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - Adel Moussa
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | | | - Aurélie Chazot
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Karine Alvarez
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Jean-Claude Guillemot
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Etienne Decroly
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - François Ferron
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
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4
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Yan VC, Pham CD, Ballato ES, Yang KL, Arthur K, Khadka S, Barekatain Y, Shrestha P, Tran T, Poral AH, Washington M, Raghavan S, Czako B, Pisaneschi F, Lin YH, Satani N, Hammoudi N, Ackroyd JJ, Georgiou DK, Millward SW, Muller FL. Prodrugs of a 1-Hydroxy-2-oxopiperidin-3-yl Phosphonate Enolase Inhibitor for the Treatment of ENO1-Deleted Cancers. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13813-13832. [PMID: 36251833 PMCID: PMC9620261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancers harboring homozygous deletion of the glycolytic enzyme enolase 1 (ENO1) are selectively vulnerable to inhibition of the paralogous isoform, enolase 2 (ENO2). A previous work described the sustained tumor regression activities of a substrate-competitive phosphonate inhibitor of ENO2, 1-hydroxy-2-oxopiperidin-3-yl phosphonate (HEX) (5), and its bis-pivaloyoxymethyl prodrug, POMHEX (6), in an ENO1-deleted intracranial orthotopic xenograft model of glioblastoma [Nature Metabolism 2020, 2, 1423-1426]. Due to poor pharmacokinetics of bis-ester prodrugs, this study was undertaken to identify potential non-esterase prodrugs for further development. Whereas phosphonoamidate esters were efficiently bioactivated in ENO1-deleted glioma cells, McGuigan prodrugs were not. Other strategies, including cycloSal and lipid prodrugs of 5, exhibited low micromolar IC50 values in ENO1-deleted glioma cells and improved stability in human serum over 6. The activity of select prodrugs was also probed using the NCI-60 cell line screen, supporting its use to examine the relationship between prodrugs and cell line-dependent bioactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Yan
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States,. Twitter: @victoriacyanide
| | - Cong-Dat Pham
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Elliot S. Ballato
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Kristine L. Yang
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Kenisha Arthur
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Sunada Khadka
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States,Department
of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Yasaman Barekatain
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States,Department
of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Prakriti Shrestha
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Theresa Tran
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Anton H. Poral
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Mykia Washington
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Sudhir Raghavan
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Barbara Czako
- Institute
of Applied Cancer Science, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Federica Pisaneschi
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Yu-Hsi Lin
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Nikunj Satani
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Naima Hammoudi
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Jeffrey J. Ackroyd
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Dimitra K. Georgiou
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Steven W. Millward
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Florian L. Muller
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
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5
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Li Y, Cao L, Li G, Cong F, Li Y, Sun J, Luo Y, Chen G, Li G, Wang P, Xing F, Ji Y, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Guo D, Zhang X. Remdesivir Metabolite GS-441524 Effectively Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Mouse Models. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2785-2793. [PMID: 33523654 PMCID: PMC7875336 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic due to the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). At the time of this manuscript's publication, remdesivir is the only COVID-19 treatment approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, its effectiveness is still under question due to the results of the large Solidarity Trial conducted by the World Health Organization. Herein, we report that the parent nucleoside of remdesivir, GS-441524, potently inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 and other cell lines. Challenge studies in both an AAV-hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 and in mice infected with murine hepatitis virus, a closely related coronavirus, showed that GS-441524 was highly efficacious in reducing the viral titers in CoV-infected organs without notable toxicity. Our results support that GS-441524 is a promising and inexpensive drug candidate for treating of COVID-19 and other CoV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Small
Molecule Drug Discovery and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry,
College of Science, Southern University of Science and
Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055,
China
- Medi-X, Academy for Advanced
Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science
and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055,
China
| | - Liu Cao
- Centre for Infection and Immunity
Studies, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107,
China
| | - Ge Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of
Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals
Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510663,
China
| | - Feng Cong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of
Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals
Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510663,
China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of
Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals
Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510663,
China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory
Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease,
Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510182,
China
| | - Yinzhu Luo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of
Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals
Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510663,
China
| | - Guijiang Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of
Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals
Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510663,
China
| | - Guanguan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Small
Molecule Drug Discovery and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry,
College of Science, Southern University of Science and
Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055,
China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Small
Molecule Drug Discovery and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry,
College of Science, Southern University of Science and
Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055,
China
| | - Fan Xing
- Centre for Infection and Immunity
Studies, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107,
China
| | - Yanxi Ji
- Centre for Infection and Immunity
Studies, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107,
China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory
Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease,
Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510182,
China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of
Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals
Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510663,
China
| | - Deyin Guo
- Centre for Infection and Immunity
Studies, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107,
China
| | - Xumu Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Small
Molecule Drug Discovery and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry,
College of Science, Southern University of Science and
Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055,
China
- Medi-X, Academy for Advanced
Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science
and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055,
China
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6
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Zenchenko AA, Drenichev MS, Il’icheva IA, Mikhailov SN. Antiviral and Antimicrobial Nucleoside Derivatives: Structural Features and Mechanisms of Action. Mol Biol 2021; 55:786-812. [PMID: 34955556 PMCID: PMC8682041 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of new viruses and resistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms has become a powerful stimulus in the search for new drugs. Nucleosides are a promising class of natural compounds, and more than a hundred drugs have already been created based on them, including antiviral, antibacterial and antitumor agents. The review considers the structural and functional features and mechanisms of action of known nucleoside analogs with antiviral, antibacterial or antiprotozoal activity. Particular attention is paid to the mechanisms that determine the antiviral effect of nucleoside analogs containing hydrophobic fragments. Depending on the structure and position of the hydrophobic substituent, such nucleosides can either block the process of penetration of viruses into cells or inhibit the stage of genome replication. The mechanisms of inhibition of viral enzymes by compounds of nucleoside and non-nucleoside nature have been compared. The stages of creation of antiparasitic drugs, which are based on the peculiarities of metabolic transformations of nucleosides in humans body and parasites, have been considered. A new approach to the creation of drugs is described, based on the use of prodrugs of modified nucleosides, which, as a result of metabolic processes, are converted into an effective drug directly in the target organ or tissue. This strategy makes it possible to reduce the general toxicity of the drug to humans and to increase the effectiveness of its action on cells infected by the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Zenchenko
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - M. S. Drenichev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - I. A. Il’icheva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - S. N. Mikhailov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Schwenzer H, De Zan E, Elshani M, van Stiphout R, Kudsy M, Morris J, Ferrari V, Um IH, Chettle J, Kazmi F, Campo L, Easton A, Nijman S, Serpi M, Symeonides S, Plummer R, Harrison DJ, Bond G, Blagden SP. The Novel Nucleoside Analogue ProTide NUC-7738 Overcomes Cancer Resistance Mechanisms In Vitro and in a First-In-Human Phase I Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6500-6513. [PMID: 34497073 PMCID: PMC9401491 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nucleoside analogues form the backbone of many therapeutic regimens in oncology and require the presence of intracellular enzymes for their activation. A ProTide is comprised of a nucleoside fused to a protective phosphoramidate cap. ProTides are easily incorporated into cells whereupon the cap is cleaved and a preactivated nucleoside released. 3'-Deoxyadenosine (3'-dA) is a naturally occurring adenosine analogue with established anticancer activity in vitro but limited bioavailability due to its rapid in vivo deamination by the circulating enzyme adenosine deaminase, poor uptake into cells, and reliance on adenosine kinase for its activation. In order to overcome these limitations, 3'-dA was chemically modified to create the novel ProTide NUC-7738. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We describe the synthesis of NUC-7738. We determine the IC50 of NUC-7738 using pharmacokinetics (PK) and conduct genome-wide analyses to identify its mechanism of action using different cancer model systems. We validate these findings in patients with cancer. RESULTS We show that NUC-7738 overcomes the cancer resistance mechanisms that limit the activity of 3'-dA and that its activation is dependent on ProTide cleavage by the enzyme histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1. PK and tumor samples obtained from the ongoing first-in-human phase I clinical trial of NUC-7738 further validate our in vitro findings and show NUC-7738 is an effective proapoptotic agent in cancer cells with effects on the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides proof that NUC-7738 overcomes cellular resistance mechanisms and supports its further clinical evaluation as a novel cancer treatment within the growing pantheon of anticancer ProTides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Schwenzer
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Erica De Zan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mustafa Elshani
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Ruud van Stiphout
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Kudsy
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Morris
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Ferrari
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - In Hwa Um
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - James Chettle
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Farasat Kazmi
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leticia Campo
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Easton
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Nijman
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michaela Serpi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Symeonides
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Plummer
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David J Harrison
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- NuCana PLC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Bond
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah P Blagden
- Department of Oncology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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8
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Li J, Zhang K, Wu D, Ren L, Chu X, Qin C, Han X, Hang T, Xu Y, Yang L, Yin L. Liposomal remdesivir inhalation solution for targeted lung delivery as a novel therapeutic approach for COVID-19. Asian J Pharm Sci 2021; 16:772-783. [PMID: 34703490 PMCID: PMC8529908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Strong infectivity enables coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to rage throughout the world. Moreover, the lack of drugs with definite therapeutic effects further aggravates the spread of the pandemic. Remdesivir is one of the most promising anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) drugs. However, the limited clinical effects make its therapeutic effect controversial, which may result from the poor accumulation and activation of remdesivir in the lung. Therefore, we developed lyophilized remdesivir liposomes (Rdv-lips) which can be reconstituted as liposomal aerosol for pulmonary delivery to improve the in vivo behavior of existing remdesivir cyclodextrin conclusion compound (Rdv-cyc) injections. Liposome encapsulation endowed remdesivir with much higher solubility and better biocompatibility. The in vitro liposomal aerosol characterization demonstrated that Rdv-lips possessed a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 4.118 µm and fine particle fraction (<5 µm) higher than 50%, indicating good pulmonary delivery properties. Compared to the Rdv-cyc intravenous injection group, the Rdv-lips inhalation group displayed a nearly 100-fold increase in the remdesivir-active metabolite nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) concentration and better NTP accumulation in the lung than the Rdv-cyc inhalation group. A faster transition from remdesivir to NTP of Rdv-lips (inhalation) could also be observed due to better cell uptake. Compared to other preparations, the superiority of Rdv-lips was further evidenced by the results of an in vivo safety study, with little possibility of inducing inflammation. In conclusion, Rdv-lips for pulmonary delivery will be a potent formulation to improve the in vivo behavior of remdesivir and exert better therapeutic effects in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Di Wu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lianjie Ren
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xinyu Chu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chao Qin
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Taijun Hang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lifang Yin
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for R&D and Evaluation of Intelligent Drugs and Key Functional Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Brunotte L, Zheng S, Mecate-Zambrano A, Tang J, Ludwig S, Rescher U, Schloer S. Combination Therapy with Fluoxetine and the Nucleoside Analog GS-441524 Exerts Synergistic Antiviral Effects against Different SARS-CoV-2 Variants In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091400. [PMID: 34575474 PMCID: PMC8466181 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic requires efficient and safe antiviral treatment strategies. Drug repurposing represents a fast and low-cost approach to the development of new medical treatment options. The direct antiviral agent remdesivir has been reported to exert antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Whereas remdesivir only has a very short half-life time and a bioactivation, which relies on pro-drug activating enzymes, its plasma metabolite GS-441524 can be activated through various kinases including the adenosine kinase (ADK) that is moderately expressed in all tissues. The pharmacokinetics of GS-441524 argue for a suitable antiviral drug that can be given to patients with COVID-19. Here, we analyzed the antiviral property of a combined treatment with the remdesivir metabolite GS-441524 and the antidepressant fluoxetine in a polarized Calu-3 cell culture model against SARS-CoV-2. The combined treatment with GS-441524 and fluoxetine were well-tolerated and displayed synergistic antiviral effects against three circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro in the commonly used reference models for drug interaction. Thus, combinatory treatment with the virus-targeting GS-441524 and the host-directed drug fluoxetine might offer a suitable therapeutic treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, and “Cells in Motion” Interfaculty Centre, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.M.-Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Shuyu Zheng
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00029 Helsinki, Finland; (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Angeles Mecate-Zambrano
- Institute of Virology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, and “Cells in Motion” Interfaculty Centre, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.M.-Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Jing Tang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00029 Helsinki, Finland; (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, and “Cells in Motion” Interfaculty Centre, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.M.-Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Ursula Rescher
- Institut-Associated Research Group Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, and “Cells in Motion” Interfaculty Centre, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Schloer
- Institut-Associated Research Group Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, and “Cells in Motion” Interfaculty Centre, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-2518352113; Fax: +49-2518356748
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10
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Abstract
Remdesivir (RDV; GS-5734, Veklury), the first FDA-approved antiviral to treat COVID-19, is a single-diastereomer monophosphoramidate prodrug of an adenosine analogue. RDV is taken up in the target cells and metabolized in multiple steps to form the active nucleoside triphosphate (TP) (GS-443902), which, in turn, acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of multiple viral RNA polymerases. In this report, we profiled the key enzymes involved in the RDV metabolic pathway with multiple parallel approaches: (i) bioinformatic analysis of nucleoside/nucleotide metabolic enzyme mRNA expression using public human tissue and lung single-cell bulk mRNA sequence (RNA-seq) data sets, (ii) protein and mRNA quantification of enzymes in human lung tissue and primary lung cells, (iii) biochemical studies on the catalytic rate of key enzymes, (iv) effects of specific enzyme inhibitors on the GS-443902 formation, and (v) the effects of these inhibitors on RDV antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. Our data collectively demonstrated that carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) and cathepsin A (CatA) are enzymes involved in hydrolyzing RDV to its alanine intermediate MetX, which is further hydrolyzed to the monophosphate form by histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1). The monophosphate is then consecutively phosphorylated to diphosphate and triphosphate by cellular phosphotransferases. Our data support the hypothesis that the unique properties of RDV prodrug not only allow lung-specific accumulation critical for the treatment of respiratory viral infection such as COVID-19 but also enable efficient intracellular metabolism of RDV and its MetX to monophosphate and successive phosphorylation to form the active TP in disease-relevant cells.
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11
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Why Remdesivir Failed: Preclinical Assumptions Overestimate the Clinical Efficacy of Remdesivir for COVID-19 and Ebola. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0111721. [PMID: 34252308 PMCID: PMC8448091 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01117-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir is a nucleoside monophosphoramidate prodrug that has been FDA approved for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical efficacy of remdesivir for COVID-19 remains contentious, as several trials have not found statistically significant differences in either time to clinical improvement or mortality between remdesivir-treated and control groups. Similarly, the inability of remdesivir to provide a clinically significant benefit above other investigational agents in patients with Ebola contrasts with strong, curative preclinical data generated in rhesus macaque models. For both COVID-19 and Ebola, significant discordance between the robust preclinical data and remdesivir’s lackluster clinical performance have left many puzzled. Here, we critically evaluate the assumptions of the models underlying remdesivir’s promising preclinical data and show that such assumptions overpredict efficacy and minimize toxicity of remdesivir in humans. Had the limitations of in vitro drug efficacy testing and species differences in drug metabolism been considered, the underwhelming clinical performance of remdesivir for both COVID-19 and Ebola would have been fully anticipated.
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12
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Yan VC, Pham CD, Yan MJ, Yan AJ, Khadka S, Arthur K, Ackroyd JJ, Georgiou DK, Roon LE, Bushman LR, Anderson PL, Li C, Muller FL. Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered GS-441524 in Dogs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.02.04.429674. [PMID: 34100016 PMCID: PMC8183013 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.04.429674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite being FDA-approved for COVID-19, the clinical efficacy of remdesivir (Veklury®) remains contentious. We previously pointed out pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicology reasons for why its parent nucleoside GS-441524, is better suited for COVID-19 treatment. Here, we assess the oral bioavailability of GS-441524 in beagle dogs and show that plasma concentrations ~24-fold higher than the EC50 against SARS-CoV-2 are easily and safely sustained. These data support translation of GS-441524 as an oral agent for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cong-Dat Pham
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew J. Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | | | - Sunada Khadka
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kenisha Arthur
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Ackroyd
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dimitra K. Georgiou
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura E. Roon
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lane R. Bushman
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chun Li
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Li J, Liu S, Shi J, Wang X, Xue Y, Zhu HJ. Tissue-Specific Proteomics Analysis of Anti-COVID-19 Nucleoside and Nucleotide Prodrug-Activating Enzymes Provides Insights into the Optimization of Prodrug Design and Pharmacotherapy Strategy. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:870-887. [PMID: 33855276 PMCID: PMC8033752 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside and nucleotide analogs are an essential class of antivirals for COVID-19 treatment. Several nucleoside/nucleotide analogs have shown promising effects against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro; however, their in vivo efficacy is limited. Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs are often formed as ester prodrugs to improve pharmacokinetics (PK) performance. After entering cells, the prodrugs undergo several enzymatic metabolism steps to form the active metabolite triphosphate nucleoside (TP-Nuc); prodrug activation is therefore associated with the abundance and catalytic activity of the corresponding activating enzymes. Having the activation of nucleoside/nucleotide prodrugs occur at the target site of action, such as the lung, is critical for anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy. Herein, we conducted an absolute quantitative proteomics study to determine the expression of relevant activating enzymes in human organs related to the PK and antiviral efficacy of nucleoside/nucleotide prodrugs, including the lung, liver, intestine, and kidney. The protein levels of prodrug-activating enzymes differed significantly among the tissues. Using catalytic activity values reported previously for individual enzymes, we calculated prodrug activation profiles in these tissues. The prodrugs evaluated in this study include nine McGuigan phosphoramidate prodrugs, two cyclic monophosphate prodrugs, two l-valyl ester prodrugs, and one octanoate prodrug. Our analysis showed that most orally administered nucleoside/nucleotide prodrugs were primarily activated in the liver, suggesting that parenteral delivery routes such as inhalation and intravenous infusion could be better options when these antiviral prodrugs are used to treat COVID-19. The results also indicated that the l-valyl ester prodrug design can plausibly improve drug bioavailability and enhance effects against SARS-CoV-2 intestinal infections. This study further revealed that an octanoate prodrug could provide a long-acting antiviral effect targeting SARS-CoV-2 infections in the lung. Finally, our molecular docking analysis suggested several prodrug forms of favipiravir and GS-441524 that are likely to exhibit favorable PK features over existing prodrug forms. In sum, this study revealed the activation mechanisms of various nucleoside/nucleotide prodrugs relevant to COVID-19 treatment in different organs and shed light on the development of more effective anti-COVID-19 prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Li
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan
College of Pharmacy, 428 Church Street, Room 4565 NUB, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan
College of Pharmacy, 428 Church Street, Room 4565 NUB, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Jian Shi
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan
College of Pharmacy, 428 Church Street, Room 4565 NUB, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xinwen Wang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio
Medical University College of Pharmacy, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, United States
| | - Yanling Xue
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan
College of Pharmacy, 428 Church Street, Room 4565 NUB, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Hao-Jie Zhu
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan
College of Pharmacy, 428 Church Street, Room 4565 NUB, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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14
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Vanden Avond MA, Meng H, Beatka MJ, Helbling DC, Prom MJ, Sutton JL, Slick RA, Dimmock DP, Pertusati F, Serpi M, Pileggi E, Crutcher P, Thomas S, Lawlor MW. The nucleotide prodrug CERC-913 improves mtDNA content in primary hepatocytes from DGUOK-deficient rats. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:492-501. [PMID: 33368311 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the deoxyguanosine kinase (DGUOK) gene result in a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome. DGUOK plays an important role in converting deoxyribonucleosides to deoxyribonucleoside monophosphates via the salvage pathway for mtDNA synthesis. DGUOK deficiency manifests predominantly in the liver; the most common cause of death is liver failure within the first year of life and no therapeutic options are currently available. in vitro supplementation with deoxyguanosine or deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP) were reported to rescue mtDNA depletion in DGUOK-deficient, patient-derived fibroblasts and myoblasts. CERC-913, a novel ProTide prodrug of dGMP, was designed to bypass defective DGUOK while improving permeability and stability relative to nucleoside monophosphates. To evaluate CERC-913 for its ability to rescue mtDNA depletion, we developed a primary hepatocyte culture model using liver tissue from DGUOK-deficient rats. DGUOK knockout rat hepatocyte cultures exhibit severely reduced mtDNA copy number (~10%) relative to wild type by qPCR and mtDNA content remains stable for up to 8 days in culture. CERC-913 increased mtDNA content in DGUOK-deficient hepatocytes up to 2.4-fold after 4 days of treatment in a dose-dependent fashion, which was significantly more effective than dGMP at similar concentrations. These early results suggest primary hepatocyte culture is a useful model for the study of mtDNA depletion syndromes and that CERC-913 treatment can improve mtDNA content in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Vanden Avond
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hui Meng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Margaret J Beatka
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel C Helbling
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mariah J Prom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jessica L Sutton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebecca A Slick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David P Dimmock
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Fabrizio Pertusati
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michaela Serpi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Elisa Pileggi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Michael W Lawlor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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15
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Yoshimoto FK. A Biochemical Perspective of the Nonstructural Proteins (NSPs) and the Spike Protein of SARS CoV-2. Protein J 2021; 40:260-295. [PMID: 33629236 PMCID: PMC7904240 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-09967-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic that shut down the world in 2020 was caused by the virus, SARS CoV-2. The chemistry of the various nonstructural proteins (NSP3, NSP5, NSP12, NSP13, NSP14, NSP15, NSP16) of SARS CoV-2 is discussed. Secondly, a recent major focus of this pandemic is the variant strains of SARS CoV-2 that are increasingly occurring and more transmissible. One strain, called “D614G”, possesses a glycine (G) instead of an aspartate (D) at position 614 of the spike protein. Additionally, other emerging strains called “501Y.V1” and “501Y.V2” have several differences in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein (N501Y) as well as other locations. These structural changes may enhance the interaction between the spike protein and the ACE2 receptor of the host, increasing infectivity. The global pandemic caused by SARS CoV-2 is a rapidly evolving situation, emphasizing the importance of continuing the efforts to interrogate and understand this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis K Yoshimoto
- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Department of Chemistry, San Antonio, TX, 78249-0698, USA.
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16
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Bobrowski T, Chen L, Eastman RT, Itkin Z, Shinn P, Chen CZ, Guo H, Zheng W, Michael S, Simeonov A, Hall MD, Zakharov AV, Muratov EN. Synergistic and Antagonistic Drug Combinations against SARS-CoV-2. Mol Ther 2021; 29:873-885. [PMID: 33333292 PMCID: PMC7834738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiviral drug development for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is occurring at an unprecedented pace, yet there are still limited therapeutic options for treating this disease. We hypothesized that combining drugs with independent mechanisms of action could result in synergy against SARS-CoV-2, thus generating better antiviral efficacy. Using in silico approaches, we prioritized 73 combinations of 32 drugs with potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 and then tested them in vitro. Sixteen synergistic and eight antagonistic combinations were identified; among 16 synergistic cases, combinations of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug nitazoxanide with remdesivir, amodiaquine, or umifenovir were most notable, all exhibiting significant synergy against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell model. However, the combination of remdesivir and lysosomotropic drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, demonstrated strong antagonism. Overall, these results highlight the utility of drug repurposing and preclinical testing of drug combinations for discovering potential therapies to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesia Bobrowski
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Richard T Eastman
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Zina Itkin
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Paul Shinn
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Catherine Z Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Hui Guo
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Sam Michael
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Matthew D Hall
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Alexey V Zakharov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Eugene N Muratov
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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17
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Friman T, Chernobrovkin A, Martinez Molina D, Arnold L. CETSA MS Profiling for a Comparative Assessment of FDA-Approved Antivirals Repurposed for COVID-19 Therapy Identifies TRIP13 as a Remdesivir Off-Target. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 26:336-344. [PMID: 33208020 PMCID: PMC7736708 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220973597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The reuse of preexisting small molecules for a novel emerging disease threat is a rapid measure to discover unknown applications for previously validated therapies. A pertinent and recent example where such a strategy could be employed is in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therapies designed or discovered to target viral proteins also have off-target effects on the host proteome when employed in a complex physiological environment. This study aims to assess these host cell targets for a panel of FDA-approved antiviral compounds including remdesivir, using the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) coupled with mass spectrometry (CETSA MS) in noninfected cells. CETSA MS is a powerful method to delineate direct and indirect interactions between small molecules and protein targets in intact cells. Biologically active compounds can induce changes in thermal stability, in their primary binding partners, and in proteins that in turn interact with the direct targets. Such engagement of host targets by antiviral drugs may contribute to the clinical effect against the virus but can also constitute a liability. We present here a comparative study of CETSA molecular target engagement fingerprints of antiviral drugs to better understand the link between off-targets and efficacy.
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18
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A Cyclic Phosphoramidate Prodrug of 2'-Deoxy-2'-Fluoro-2'- C-Methylguanosine for the Treatment of Dengue Virus Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00654-20. [PMID: 32958712 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00654-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Monophosphate prodrug analogs of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylguanosine have been reported as potent inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. These prodrugs also display potent anti-dengue virus activities in cellular assays although their prodrug moieties were designed to produce high levels of triphosphate in the liver. Since peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are among the major targets of dengue virus, different prodrug moieties were designed to effectively deliver 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylguanosine monophosphate prodrugs and their corresponding triphosphates into PBMCs after oral administration. We identified a cyclic phosphoramidate, prodrug 17, demonstrating well-balanced anti-dengue virus cellular activity and in vitro stability profiles. We further determined the PBMC concentration of active triphosphate needed to inhibit virus replication by 50% (TP50). Compound 17 was assessed in an AG129 mouse model and demonstrated 1.6- and 2.2-log viremia reductions at 100 and 300 mg/kg twice a day (BID), respectively. At 100 mg/kg BID, the terminal triphosphate concentration in PBMCs exceeded the TP50 value, demonstrating TP50 as the target exposure for efficacy. In dogs, oral administration of compound 17 resulted in high PBMC triphosphate levels, exceeding the TP50 at 10 mg/kg. Unfortunately, 2-week dog toxicity studies at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day showed that "no observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) could not be achieved due to pulmonary inflammation and hemorrhage. The preclinical safety results suspended further development of compound 17. Nevertheless, present work has proven the concept that an efficacious monophosphate nucleoside prodrug could be developed for the potential treatment of dengue virus infection.
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19
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Jithavech P, Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket P, Supasena W, Qiu G, Ye S, Wu J, Wong TW, Rojsitthisak P. In Vitro Hepatic Metabolism of Curcumin Diethyl Disuccinate by Liver S9 from Different Animal Species. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:577998. [PMID: 33312126 PMCID: PMC7703437 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.577998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver S9 (LS9) is a nearly complete collection of all hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. It is a low-cost model for predicting drug metabolic activity. This study aimed to identify the suitability of using LS9 of different animal sources in drug metabolism profiling with respect to the possible translation of the in vitro outcomes to clinical studies. The in vitro hepatic metabolism of curcumin diethyl disuccinate (CDD) in LS9 of rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans was evaluated. The identity of CDD metabolites and the metabolism kinetic parameters, including degradation rate constant, in vitro/in vivo intrinsic clearance, and half-life, were determined. CDD was rapidly metabolized into monoethylsuccinyl curcumin and curcumin in LS9 of all tested species mainly by carboxylesterases (CESs), including CES1 and CES2, and butyrylcholinesterase. The in vitro intrinsic clearance of CDD was in the order of human > dog > monkey > rat, whereas that of monoethylsuccinyl curcumin in the order of dog > monkey > human > rat; this parameter was not correlated with their respective in vivo clearance, which followed the order of dog > monkey > rat > human. Therefore, in vitro drug metabolism data inferred from LS9 of nonhuman origin, especially from monkeys and dogs, cannot be used as preclinical data for human trials, as humans have a smaller liver-to-body weight ratio than monkeys, dogs, and rats. The in vivo drug metabolism is dictated by the anatomical factors of the test subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponsiree Jithavech
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Natural Products Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Wiwat Supasena
- Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Guanyinsheng Qiu
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Shengqing Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical and Materials Engineering & Institute for Advanced Studies, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jie Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical and Materials Engineering & Institute for Advanced Studies, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Tin Wui Wong
- Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, iPROMISE, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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20
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Jovanovic D, Tremmel P, Pallan PS, Egli M, Richert C. The Enzyme‐Free Release of Nucleotides from Phosphoramidates Depends Strongly on the Amino Acid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202008665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dejana Jovanovic
- Institut für Organische Chemie Universität Stuttgart 70569 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Peter Tremmel
- Institut für Organische Chemie Universität Stuttgart 70569 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Pradeep S. Pallan
- Department of Biochemistry Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN 37232 USA
| | - Martin Egli
- Department of Biochemistry Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN 37232 USA
| | - Clemens Richert
- Institut für Organische Chemie Universität Stuttgart 70569 Stuttgart Germany
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21
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Jovanovic D, Tremmel P, Pallan PS, Egli M, Richert C. The Enzyme-Free Release of Nucleotides from Phosphoramidates Depends Strongly on the Amino Acid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:20154-20160. [PMID: 32757352 PMCID: PMC7436718 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202008665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoramidates composed of an amino acid and a nucleotide analogue are critical metabolites of prodrugs, such as remdesivir. Hydrolysis of the phosphoramidate liberates the nucleotide, which can then be phosphorylated to become the pharmacologically active triphosphate. Enzymatic hydrolysis has been demonstrated, but a spontaneous chemical process may also occur. We measured the rate of enzyme-free hydrolysis for 17 phosphoramidates of ribonucleotides with amino acids or related compounds at pH 7.5. Phosphoramidates of proline hydrolyzed fast, with a half-life time as short as 2.4 h for Pro-AMP in ethylimidazole-containing buffer at 37 °C; 45-fold faster than Ala-AMP and 120-fold faster than Phe-AMP. Crystal structures of Gly-AMP, Pro-AMP, βPro-AMP and Phe-AMP bound to RNase A as crystallization chaperone showed how well the carboxylate is poised to attack the phosphoramidate, helping to explain this reactivity. Our results are significant for the design of new antiviral prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejana Jovanovic
- Institut für Organische ChemieUniversität Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
| | - Peter Tremmel
- Institut für Organische ChemieUniversität Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
| | - Pradeep S. Pallan
- Department of BiochemistryVanderbilt UniversitySchool of MedicineNashvilleTN37232USA
| | - Martin Egli
- Department of BiochemistryVanderbilt UniversitySchool of MedicineNashvilleTN37232USA
| | - Clemens Richert
- Institut für Organische ChemieUniversität Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
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22
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Wiemer AJ. Metabolic Efficacy of Phosphate Prodrugs and the Remdesivir Paradigm. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:613-626. [PMID: 32821882 PMCID: PMC7409933 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Drugs that contain phosphates (and
phosphonates or phosphinates)
have intrinsic absorption issues and are therefore often delivered
in prodrug forms to promote their uptake. Effective prodrug forms
distribute their payload to the site of the intended target and release
it efficiently with minimal byproduct toxicity. The ability to balance
unwanted payload release during transit with desired release at the
site of action is critical to prodrug efficacy. Despite decades of
research on prodrug forms, choosing the ideal prodrug form remains
a challenge which is often solved empirically. The recent emergency
use authorization of the antiviral remdesivir for COVID-19 exemplifies
a new approach for delivery of phosphate prodrugs by parenteral dosing,
which minimizes payload release during transit and maximizes tissue
payload distribution. This review focuses on the role of metabolic
activation in efficacy during oral and parenteral dosing of phosphate,
phosphonate, and phosphinate prodrugs. Through examining prior structure–activity
studies on prodrug forms and the choices that led to development of
remdesivir and other clinical drugs and drug candidates, a better
understanding of their ability to distribute to the planned site of
action, such as the liver, plasma, PBMCs, or peripheral tissues, can
be gained. The structure–activity relationships described here
will facilitate the rational design of future prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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23
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Yan VC, Muller FL. Advantages of the Parent Nucleoside GS-441524 over Remdesivir for Covid-19 Treatment. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1361-1366. [PMID: 32665809 PMCID: PMC7315846 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While remdesivir has garnered much hope for its moderate anti-Covid-19 effects, its parent nucleoside, GS-441524, has been overlooked. Pharmacokinetic analysis of remdesivir evidences premature serum hydrolysis to GS-441524; GS-441524 is the predominant metabolite reaching the lungs. With its synthetic simplicity and in vivo efficacy in the veterinary setting, we contend that GS-441524 is superior to remdesivir for Covid-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Yan
- Department of Cancer Systems
Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Florian L. Muller
- Department of Cancer Systems
Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
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24
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Bobrowski T, Chen L, Eastman RT, Itkin Z, Shinn P, Chen C, Guo H, Zheng W, Michael S, Simeonov A, Hall MD, Zakharov AV, Muratov EN. Discovery of Synergistic and Antagonistic Drug Combinations against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.06.29.178889. [PMID: 32637956 PMCID: PMC7337386 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.29.178889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is undoubtedly the most impactful viral disease of the current century, afflicting millions worldwide. As yet, there is not an approved vaccine, as well as limited options from existing drugs for treating this disease. We hypothesized that combining drugs with independent mechanisms of action could result in synergy against SARS-CoV-2. Using in silico approaches, we prioritized 73 combinations of 32 drugs with potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 and then tested them in vitro . Overall, we identified 16 synergistic and 8 antagonistic combinations, 4 of which were both synergistic and antagonistic in a dose-dependent manner. Among the 16 synergistic cases, combinations of nitazoxanide with three other compounds (remdesivir, amodiaquine and umifenovir) were the most notable, all exhibiting significant synergy against SARS-CoV-2. The combination of nitazoxanide, an FDA-approved drug, and remdesivir, FDA emergency use authorization for the treatment of COVID-19, demonstrate a strong synergistic interaction. Notably, the combination of remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine demonstrated strong antagonism. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of both drug repurposing and preclinical testing of drug combinations for potential therapeutic use against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesia Bobrowski
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Richard T. Eastman
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Zina Itkin
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Paul Shinn
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Catherine Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Hui Guo
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Sam Michael
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Matthew D. Hall
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Alexey V. Zakharov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Eugene N. Muratov
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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25
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De Clercq E. New Nucleoside Analogues for the Treatment of Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infections. Chem Asian J 2019; 14:3962-3968. [PMID: 31389664 PMCID: PMC7159701 DOI: 10.1002/asia.201900841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eight different compounds, all nucleoside analogues, could presently be considered as potential drug candidates for the treatment of Ebola virus (EBOV) and/or other hemorrhagic fever virus (HFV) infections. They can be considered as either (i) adenine analogues (3-deazaneplanocin A, galidesivir, GS-6620 and remdesivir) or (ii) guanine analogues containing the carboxamide entity (ribavirin, EICAR, pyrazofurin and favipiravir). All eight owe their mechanism of action to hydrogen bonded base pairing with either (i) uracil or (ii) cytosine. Four out of the eight compounds (galidesivir, GS-6620, remdesivir and pyrazofurin) are C-nucleosides, and two of them (GS-6620, remdesivir) also contain a phosphoramidate part. The C-nucleoside and phosphoramidate (and for the adenine analogues the 1'-cyano group as well) may be considered as essential attributes for their antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationRega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 493000LeuvenBelgium
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26
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Yates MK, Seley-Radtke KL. The evolution of antiviral nucleoside analogues: A review for chemists and non-chemists. Part II: Complex modifications to the nucleoside scaffold. Antiviral Res 2019; 162:5-21. [PMID: 30529089 PMCID: PMC6349489 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This is the second of two invited articles reviewing the development of nucleoside analogue antiviral drugs, written for a target audience of virologists and other non-chemists, as well as chemists who may not be familiar with the field. As with the first paper, rather than providing a chronological account, we have chosen to examine particular examples of structural modifications made to nucleoside analogues that have proven fruitful as various antiviral, anticancer, and other therapeutics. The first review covered the more common, and in most cases, single modifications to the sugar and base moieties of the nucleoside scaffold. This paper focuses on more recent developments, especially nucleoside analogues that contain more than one modification to the nucleoside scaffold. We hope that these two articles will provide an informative historical perspective of some of the successfully designed analogues, as well as many candidate compounds that encountered obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Yates
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Seley-Radtke
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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27
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Nucleotide Prodrug Containing a Nonproteinogenic Amino Acid To Improve Oral Delivery of a Hepatitis C Virus Treatment. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00620-18. [PMID: 29866875 PMCID: PMC6105845 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00620-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of pharmacologically active nucleoside triphosphate analogs to sites of viral infection is challenging. In prior work we identified a 2′-C-methyl-1′-cyano-7-deaza-adenosine C-nucleotide analog with desirable selectivity and potency for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Delivery of pharmacologically active nucleoside triphosphate analogs to sites of viral infection is challenging. In prior work we identified a 2′-C-methyl-1′-cyano-7-deaza-adenosine C-nucleotide analog with desirable selectivity and potency for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the prodrug selected for clinical development, GS-6620, required a high dose for meaningful efficacy and had unacceptable variability due to poor oral absorption as a result of suboptimal solubility, intestinal metabolism, and efflux transport. While obtaining clinical proof of concept for the nucleotide analog, a more effective prodrug strategy would be necessary for clinical utility. Here, we report an alternative prodrug of the same nucleoside analog identified to address liabilities of GS-6620. A phosphoramidate prodrug containing the nonproteinogenic amino acid methylalanine, an isopropyl ester and phenol in the (S) conformation at phosphorous, GS2, was found to have improved solubility, intestinal stability, and hepatic activation. GS2 is a more selective substrate for hepatically expressed carboxyl esterase 1 (CES1) and is resistant to hydrolysis by more widely expressed hydrolases, including cathepsin A (CatA) and CES2. Unlike GS-6620, GS2 was not cleaved by intestinally expressed CES2 and, as a result, was stable in intestinal extracts. Levels of liver triphosphate following oral administration of GS2 in animals were higher than those of GS-6620, even when administered under optimal conditions for GS-6620 absorption. Combined, these properties suggest that GS2 will have better oral absorption in the clinic when administered in a solid dosage form and the potential to extend the clinical proof of concept obtained with GS-6620.
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28
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Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin Liver Pharmacokinetics in Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.02587-17. [PMID: 29439971 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02587-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sofosbuvir and ribavirin exert their anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) activity following metabolic activation in the liver. However, intrahepatic concentrations of the pharmacologically active nucleotide metabolites in humans are poorly characterized due to the inaccessibility of tissue and technical challenges with measuring nucleotide levels. A clinical study assessing the efficacy of sofosbuvir and ribavirin administered prior to liver transplantation to prevent HCV recurrence provided a unique opportunity to quantify nucleotide concentrations in human liver. We analyzed nucleotides using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in liver tissue from 30 HCV-infected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were administered sofosbuvir (400 mg/day) and ribavirin (1,000 to 1,200 mg/day) for 3 to 52 weeks prior to liver transplantation. Median total hepatic metabolite concentrations (the sum of nucleoside and mono-, di-, and triphosphates) were 77.1 μM for sofosbuvir and 361 μM for ribavirin in patients on therapy at the time of transplantation. Ribavirin and sofosbuvir efficiently loaded the liver, with total hepatic metabolite concentrations exceeding maximal levels in plasma by approximately 30-fold. Ribavirin metabolite levels suggest that its monophosphate is in great excess of its inhibition constant for IMP dehydrogenase and that its triphosphate is approaching the binding constant for incorporation by the HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. In accordance with the potent antiviral activity of sofosbuvir, these results demonstrate that the liver triphosphate levels achieved following sofosbuvir administration greatly exceed the inhibition constant for HCV NS5B. In conclusion, this study expands the quantitative understanding of the pharmacology of sofosbuvir and ribavirin by establishing efficient hepatic delivery in the clinic. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01559844.).
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29
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Slusarczyk M, Serpi M, Pertusati F. Phosphoramidates and phosphonamidates (ProTides) with antiviral activity. Antivir Chem Chemother 2018; 26:2040206618775243. [PMID: 29792071 PMCID: PMC5971382 DOI: 10.1177/2040206618775243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the first report on the nucleoside phosphoramidate (ProTide) prodrug approach in 1990 by Chris McGuigan, the extensive investigation of ProTide technology has begun in many laboratories. Designed with aim to overcome limitations and the key resistance mechanisms associated with nucleoside analogues used in the clinic (poor cellular uptake, poor conversion to the 5'-monophosphate form), the ProTide approach has been successfully applied to a vast number of nucleoside analogues with antiviral and anticancer activity. ProTides consist of a 5'-nucleoside monophosphate in which the two hydroxyl groups are masked with an amino acid ester and an aryloxy component which once in the cell is enzymatically metabolized to deliver free 5'-monophosphate, which is further transformed to the active 5'-triphosphate form of the nucleoside analogue. In this review, the seminal contribution of Chris McGuigan's research to this field is presented. His technology proved to be extremely successful in drug discovery and has led to two Food and Drug Administration-approved antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michaela Serpi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Fabrizio Pertusati
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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30
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Yang H, Yang C, Wang Y, Rhodes G, Robinson M, Cheng G, Qi X, Mo H, Tian Y, Pakdaman R, Sheng XC, Kim CU, Delaney WE. Preclinical characterization of the novel HCV NS3 protease inhibitor GS-9256. Antivir Ther 2017; 22:413-420. [PMID: 28106531 DOI: 10.3851/imp3132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GS-9256 is an inhibitor of HCV NS3 protease with a macrocyclic structure and novel phosphinic acid pharmacophore. METHODS Key preclinical properties of GS-9256 including in vitro antiviral activity, cross-resistance and pharmacokinetic properties were investigated in non-human species. RESULTS In genotype (GT) 1b Huh-luc cells with a replicon encoding luciferase, GS-9256 had a mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 20.0 nM, with minimal cytotoxicity. Antiviral activity was similar in a number of additional GT1b and GT1a replicon cell lines. Similar potency was observed in chimeric replicons encoding the NS3 protease of GT1 clinical isolates. GS-9256 was less active in GT2a replicon cells (14.2-fold increase in EC50). Additive to synergistic in vitro antiviral activity was observed when GS-9256 was combined with other agents including interferon-α, ribavirin, NS5B polymerase inhibitors GS-6620 and tegobuvir, as well as the NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir. GS-9256 retained wild-type activity against all tested NS5B and NS5A inhibitor resistance mutations. GS-9256 was metabolically stable in microsomes and hepatocytes of tested species, including rodents, dogs and humans. GS-9256 had high bioavailability in mice (near 100%) and moderate bioavailability in rats (14%), dogs (21%) and monkeys (14%). Elimination half-lives were approximately 2 h in mice, 0.6 h in rats, 5 h in dogs and 4 h in monkey. A study in bile duct-cannulated rats indicated that the major route of elimination is through biliary excretion of unmetabolized GS-9256. CONCLUSIONS GS-9256 showed a favourable preclinical profile supportive of clinical development for the treatment of chronic HCV infection in GT1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Yang
- Department of Biology, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Chris Yang
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Yujin Wang
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Gerry Rhodes
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | - Guofeng Cheng
- Department of Biology, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoping Qi
- Department of Biology, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Hongmei Mo
- Department of Biology, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Yang Tian
- Department of Biology, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Rowchanak Pakdaman
- Department of Formulation and Process Development, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | - Choung U Kim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
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31
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Abstract
Two new C-nucleoside analogues, BCX4430, an imino-C-nucleoside, and GS-6620, a phosphoramidate derivative of 1'-cyano-2'-C-methyl-4-aza-7,9-dideazaadenosine C-nucleoside, have been recently described as effective against filovirus infections (Marburg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. The first C-nucleoside analogues were described about half a century ago. The C-nucleoside pseudouridine is a natural component of RNA, and various other C-nucleoside analogues have been reported previously for their antiviral and/or anticancer potential, the most prominent being pyrazofurin, tiazofurin, and selenazofurin. In the meantime, showdomycin, formycin, and various triazole, pyrazine, pyridine, dihydroxyphenyl, thienopyrimidine, pyrazolotriazine, and porphyrin C-nucleoside analogues have been described. It would be worth revisiting these C-nucleosides and derivatives thereof, including their phosphoramidates, for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of virus infections and, where appropriate, cancer as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven , Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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32
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Kubota K, Inaba SI, Nakano R, Watanabe M, Sakurai H, Fukushima Y, Ichikawa K, Takahashi T, Izumi T, Shinagawa A. Identification of activating enzymes of a novel FBPase inhibitor prodrug, CS-917. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2015; 3:e00138. [PMID: 26171222 PMCID: PMC4492754 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CS-917 (MB06322) is a selective small compound inhibitor of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), which is expected to be a novel drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by inhibiting gluconeogenesis. CS-917 is a bisamidate prodrug and activation of CS-917 requires a two-step enzyme catalyzed reaction. The first-step enzyme, esterase, catalyzes the conversion of CS-917 into the intermediate form (R-134450) and the second-step enzyme, phosphoramidase, catalyzes the conversion of R-134450 into the active form (R-125338). In this study, we biochemically purified the CS-917 esterase activity in monkey small intestine and liver. We identified cathepsin A (CTSA) and elastase 3B (ELA3B) as CS-917 esterases in the small intestine by mass spectrometry, whereas we found CTSA and carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) in monkey liver. We also purified R-134450 phosphoramidase activity in monkey liver and identified sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase, acid-like 3A (SMPADL3A), as an R-134450 phosphoramidase, which has not been reported to have any enzyme activity. Recombinant human CTSA, ELA3B, and CES1 showed CS-917 esterase activity and recombinant human SMPDL3A showed R-134450 phosphoramidase activity, which confirmed the identification of those enzymes. Identification of metabolic enzymes responsible for the activation process is the requisite first step to understanding the activation process, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of CS-917 at the molecular level. This is the first identification of a phosphoramidase other than histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein (HINT) family enzymes and SMPDL3A might generally contribute to activation of the other bisamidate prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuishi Kubota
- Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Inaba
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rika Nakano
- Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mihoko Watanabe
- Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Sakurai
- Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Fukushima
- Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihisa Ichikawa
- Biologics Technology Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Takahashi
- New Modality Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Izumi
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Shinagawa
- Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
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Meeting report: 27th International conference on antiviral research, in Raleigh, NC, USA. Antiviral Res 2014; 111:143-53. [PMID: 25218950 PMCID: PMC7119014 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The 27th International Conference on Antiviral Research (ICAR) was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA from May 12 to 16, 2014. This article summarizes the principal invited lectures. John Drach (Elion Award) described the early days of antiviral drugs and their novel modes of action. Piet Herdewijn (Holý Award) used evolutionary pressure to select DNA polymerases that accept nucleoside analogs. Replacing thymine by 5-chlorouracil led to the generation of a new form of Escherichia coli. Adrian Ray (Prusoff Award) demonstrated how prodrugs can markedly improve both the efficacy and safety of potential drugs. The keynote addresses, by David Margolis and Myron Cohen, tackled two emerging areas of HIV research, to find an HIV "cure" and to prevent HIV transmission, respectively. These topics were discussed further in other presentations - a cure seems to be a distant prospect but there are exciting developments for reducing HIV transmission. TDF-containing vaginal rings and GSK-744, as a long-lasting injection, offer great hope. There were three mini-symposia. Although therapy with TDF/FTC gives excellent control of HBV replication, there are only a few patients who achieve a functional cure. Myrcludex, an entry inhibitor, is active against both HBV and HDV. The recent progress with HBV replication in cell cultures has transformed the search for new antiviral compounds. The HBV capsid protein has been recognized as key player in HBV DNA synthesis. Unexpectedly, compounds which enhance capsid formation, markedly reduce HBV DNA synthesis. The development of BCX4430, which is active against Marburg and Ebola viruses, is of great current interest.
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Draffan AG, Frey B, Pool B, Gannon C, Tyndall EM, Lilly M, Francom P, Hufton R, Halim R, Jahangiri S, Bond S, Nguyen VTT, Jeynes TP, Wirth V, Luttick A, Tilmanis D, Thomas JD, Pryor M, Porter K, Morton CJ, Lin B, Duan J, Kukolj G, Simoneau B, McKercher G, Lagacé L, Amad M, Bethell RC, Tucker SP. Discovery and Synthesis of C-Nucleosides as Potential New Anti-HCV Agents. ACS Med Chem Lett 2014; 5:679-84. [PMID: 24944743 DOI: 10.1021/ml500077j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside analogues have long been recognized as prospects for the discovery of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus because they have generally exhibited cross-genotype activity and a high barrier to resistance. C-Nucleosides have the potential for improved metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties over their N-nucleoside counterparts due to the presence of a strong carbon-carbon glycosidic bond and a non-natural heterocyclic base. Three 2'CMe-C-adenosine analogues and two 2'CMe-guanosine analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-HCV efficacy. The nucleotide triphosphates of four of these analogues were found to inhibit the NS5B polymerase, and adenosine analogue 1 was discovered to have excellent pharmacokinetic properties demonstrating the potential of this drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair G. Draffan
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Barbara Frey
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Brett Pool
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Carlie Gannon
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Edward M. Tyndall
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Michael Lilly
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Paula Francom
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Richard Hufton
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Rosliana Halim
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Saba Jahangiri
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Silas Bond
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Van T. T. Nguyen
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Tyrone P. Jeynes
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Veronika Wirth
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Angela Luttick
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Danielle Tilmanis
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jesse D. Thomas
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Melinda Pryor
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Kate Porter
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Craig J. Morton
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Bo Lin
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jianmin Duan
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - George Kukolj
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - Bruno Simoneau
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - Ginette McKercher
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - Lisette Lagacé
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - Ma’an Amad
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - Richard C. Bethell
- Research
and Development, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd., 2100 rue Cunard, Laval, Québec H7S 2G5, Canada
| | - Simon P. Tucker
- Biota Scientific Management Pty. Ltd., 10/585 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication by GS-6620, a potent C-nucleoside monophosphate prodrug. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:1930-42. [PMID: 24419349 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02351-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As a class, nucleotide inhibitors (NIs) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase offer advantages over other direct-acting antivirals, including properties, such as pangenotype activity, a high barrier to resistance, and reduced potential for drug-drug interactions. We studied the in vitro pharmacology of a novel C-nucleoside adenosine analog monophosphate prodrug, GS-6620. It was found to be a potent and selective HCV inhibitor against HCV replicons of genotypes 1 to 6 and against an infectious genotype 2a virus (50% effective concentration [EC50], 0.048 to 0.68 μM). GS-6620 showed limited activities against other viruses, maintaining only some of its activity against the closely related bovine viral diarrhea virus (EC50, 1.5 μM). The active 5'-triphosphate metabolite of GS-6620 is a chain terminator of viral RNA synthesis and a competitive inhibitor of NS5B-catalyzed ATP incorporation, with Ki/Km values of 0.23 and 0.18 for HCV NS5B genotypes 1b and 2a, respectively. With its unique dual substitutions of 1'-CN and 2'-C-Me on the ribose ring, the active triphosphate metabolite was found to have enhanced selectivity for the HCV NS5B polymerase over host RNA polymerases. GS-6620 demonstrated a high barrier to resistance in vitro. Prolonged passaging resulted in the selection of the S282T mutation in NS5B that was found to be resistant in both cellular and enzymatic assays (>30-fold). Consistent with its in vitro profile, GS-6620 exhibited the potential for potent anti-HCV activity in a proof-of-concept clinical trial, but its utility was limited by the requirement of high dose levels and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability.
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