Download MendeleyDiscovery and Optimization of IRBM-Z-2, an Allosteric Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitor Exhibiting In Vivo Efficacy.
Torrente, E., Quotadamo, A., Corio, A., Ferrigno, F., Ievoli, G., Montalbetti, C., Vasile, S., Graziani, R., Paonessa, G., Alli, C., Bisbocci, M., Veneziano, M., Proto, G., Orsale, M.V., di Marco, A., Toniatti, C., Ontoria, J.M.(2026) J Med Chem 69: 13492-13503
- PubMed: 42213869 Search on PubMed
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6c00476
- Primary Citation Related Structures:
8RS7 - PubMed Abstract:
Zika virus is an increasing medical and socio-economic burden in (sub)tropical regions, with no effective treatments available. Previously, we identified a novel series of N -carbamoylsydnone imine derivatives as potent ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors through phenotypic antiviral screening. Here, we report the optimization of this series, leading to IRBM-Z-2 , a nanomolar inhibitor active in both biochemical and cellular assays, exhibiting no cytotoxicity. IRBM-Z-2 demonstrates favorable oral bioavailability, low clearance, and strong prophylactic efficacy in mouse models of ZIKV infection. These results highlight IRBM-Z-2 as a promising therapeutic candidate against ZIKV and a potential foundation for developing broad-spectrum orthoflavirus agents.
- Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, IRBM S.p.A., Pomezia, 00071 Rome, Italy.
Organizational Affiliation:
