Discovery of alpha-Ketoamide inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease derived from quaternized P1 groups.
Huang, Q., Quan, B., Chen, Y., Zhao, X., Zhou, Y., Huang, C., Qiao, J., Wang, Y., Li, Y., Yang, S., Lei, J., Li, L.(2024) Bioorg Chem 143: 107001-107001
- PubMed: 38101266 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107001
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
8WTI - PubMed Abstract: 
Although the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has ended, multiple sporadic cases still exist, posing a request for more antivirals. The main protease (M pro ) of SARS-CoV-2, a key enzyme for viral replication, is an attractive target for drug development. Here, we report the discovery of a new potent α-ketoamide-containing M pro inhibitor, N-((R)-1-cyclohexyl-2-(((R)-3-methoxy-1-oxo-1-((1-(2-oxo-2-((thiazol-2-ylmethyl)amino)acetyl)cyclobutyl)amino)propan-2-yl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-4,4-difluorocyclohexane-1-carboxamide (20j). This compound presented promising enzymatic inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 M pro with an IC 50 value of 19.0 nM, and an excellent antiviral activity in cell-based assay with an EC 50 value of 138.1 nM. This novel covalent inhibitor may be used as a lead compound for subsequent drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.