Download MendeleyDiscovery of VNRX-9945, a Potent, Broadly Active Capsid Assembly Modulator as a Clinical Candidate for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection.
Liu, B., Yao, J., Haimowitz, T., Benetatos, C.A., Boyd, S.A., Condon, S.M., Burns, C.J., White, A., Lakshminarasimhan, D., Suto, R.K., Cakici, O., Drager, A.S., Hart, S.G.E., Pevear, D.C., Coburn, G.A.(2025) ACS Med Chem Lett 16: 1209-1216
- PubMed: 40666476
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5c00315
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
9N3H - PubMed Abstract:
Targeting the capsid protein of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) has emerged as a promising strategy for developing new antiviral therapies. In this study, we report the discovery of a novel series of pyrrole oxo-carboxamide compounds as HBV capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) that block viral replication. Through a process of focused structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization, we identified compound 12 (VNRX-9945), which exhibited excellent and broad antiviral activity against multiple HBV genotypes in vitro, along with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles across multiple species. Additionally, 12 demonstrated robust efficacy in the adeno-associated virus mouse model of HBV (AAV-HBV) infection. This compound has advanced into Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate its safety and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers, to enable treatment of chronic HBV infections.
- Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 30 Spring Mill Drive, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355, United States.
Organizational Affiliation:
