10.1021/jm500892k
The research focused on the discovery of N-substituted oseltamivir derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of H5N1 influenza neuraminidase. The study was motivated by the increasing concern of another global flu pandemic, particularly the threat posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The researchers designed and synthesized two series of oseltamivir derivatives targeting the 150-cavity of Group-1 neuraminidase (NA) enzymes, which are especially involved in combating the H5N1 virus. The most potent N1-selective inhibitor among these compounds was compound 20l, with IC50 values of 0.0019 μM, 0.0038 μM, and 0.0067 μM against NAs from three H5N1 viruses, outperforming oseltamivir carboxylate. Another notable compound was compound 32, which exhibited a 12-fold increase in activity against the H274Y mutant relative to oseltamivir carboxylate. The study utilized various chemicals in the synthesis process, including oseltamivir phosphate as the primary starting material, aldehydes for the formation of key intermediates, and reagents such as NaBH3CN, (Boc)2O, and TFA for different synthetic steps. The research also involved the use of 2′-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-α-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid (MUNANA) as a substrate in the neuraminidase inhibition assay to evaluate the inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds. The findings represent a significant breakthrough in the development of potent Group-1-specific neuraminidase inhibitors, which could be further investigated for the treatment of H5N1 virus infections.