Lead optimization of spiropyrazolopyridones: a new and potent class of dengue virus inhibitors

Spiropyrazolopyridone 1 was identified, as a novel dengue virus (DENV) inhibitor, from a DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) high-throughput phenotypic screen. As a general trend within this chemical class, chiral resolution of the racemate revealed that R enantiomer was significantly more potent than the S. Cell-based lead optimization of the spiropyrazolopyridones focusing on improving the physicochemical properties is described. As a result, an optimal compound 14a, with balanced in vitro potency and pharmacokinetic profile, achieved about 1.9 log viremia reduction at 3 × 50 mg/kg (bid) or 3 × 100 mg/kg (QD) oral doses in the dengue in vivo mouse efficacy model.