Cyanoamidine Cyclization Approach to Remdesivir's Nucleobase

Org Lett. 2020 Nov 6;22(21):8430-8435. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03052. Epub 2020 Oct 21.

Abstract

We report an alternative approach to the unnatural nucleobase fragment seen in remdesivir (Veklury). Remdesivir displays broad-spectrum antiviral activity and is currently being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials to treat patients with COVID-19. Our route relies on the formation of a cyanoamidine intermediate, which undergoes Lewis acid-mediated cyclization to yield the desired nucleobase. The approach is strategically distinct from prior routes and could further enable the synthesis of remdesivir and other small-molecule therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Monophosphate / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenosine Monophosphate / chemical synthesis
  • Adenosine Monophosphate / chemistry
  • Adenosine Monophosphate / therapeutic use
  • Alanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Alanine / chemical synthesis
  • Alanine / chemistry
  • Alanine / therapeutic use
  • Amidines / chemistry*
  • Antiviral Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Cyclization
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy

Substances

  • Amidines
  • Antiviral Agents
  • remdesivir
  • Adenosine Monophosphate
  • Alanine