Symmetry-Based Inhibitors of HIV Protease. Structure-Activity Studies of Acylated 2,4-Diamino-1,5-diphenyl-3-hydroxypentane and 2,5-Diamino-1,6-diphenylhexane-3,4-diol

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00055a003

The structure-activity relationships in two series of novel, symmetry-based inhibitors of HIV protease, the enzyme responsible for maturation of the human immunodeficiency virus, are described.Beginning with lead compounds 3-6, the effect of adding polar, heterocyclic end groups to one or both ends of the symmetric or pseudosymmetric inhibitors was probed.Aqueous solubility was enhanced >1000-fold while maintaining potent inhibition of purified HIV-1 protease and anti-HIV activity in vitro.Pharmacokinetic studies in rats indicated a substantial difference in the absorption properties of mono-ol-based and diol-based inhibitors.The oral bioavailability of inhibitor 19 in rats was 19percent; however, the C_max obtained failed to exceed the anti-HIV EC50 in vitro.Substantial plasma levels of potent inhibitors of the diol class were not obtained after oral administration in rats; however, the optimal combination of aqueous solubility and in vitro antiviral activity of several inhibitors support their potential use in intravenous therapy.