1
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Sakander N, Ahmed A, Bhardwaj M, Kumari D, Nandi U, Mukherjee D. A path from synthesis to emergency use authorization of molnupiravir as a COVID-19 therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107379. [PMID: 38643567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a group of enveloped viruses with non-segmented, single-stranded, and positive-sense RNA genomes. It belongs to the 'Coronaviridae family', responsible for various diseases, including the common cold, SARS, and MERS. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020, has affected 209 countries, infected over a million people, and claimed over 50,000 lives. Significant efforts have been made by repurposing several approved drugs including antiviral, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Molnupiravir is found to be the first orally acting efficacious drug to treat COVID-19 cases. It was approved for medical use in the UK in November 2021 and other countries, including USFDA, which granted approval an emergency use authorization (EUA) for treating adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Considering the importance of molnupiravir, the present review deals with its various synthetic strategies, pharmacokinetics, bio-efficacy, toxicity, and safety profiles. The comprehensive information along with critical analysis will be very handy for a wide range of audience including medicinal chemists in the arena of antiviral drug discovery especially anti-viral drugs against any variant of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norein Sakander
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ajaz Ahmed
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Mahir Bhardwaj
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Diksha Kumari
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bose Institute, EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata 700091, WB, India.
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2
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Rosangzuala K, Patlolla RR, Shaikh A, Naik KA, Raveena G, Nemali M, Reddy Mudiam MK, Banoth L. Streamlined Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis of Molnupiravir via Lipase Catalyst. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:4423-4428. [PMID: 38313533 PMCID: PMC10831972 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
An enzymatic approach for the synthesis of Molnupiravir has been developed using immobilized lipase as a biocatalyst. This method involves a concise process of the regioselective esterification of uridine with isobutyric anhydride using Lipase (Addzyme-011). This efficient route gets 97% conversion of uridine 3, with an overall 73% yield of molnupiravir 1 in two steps. The use of inexpensive and easily available lipase makes the synthesis cost-effective and accessible globally, promoting the principles of green chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawlhring Rosangzuala
- Organic
Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ravinder Reddy Patlolla
- Organic
Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Asif Shaikh
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Department
of Analytical and Structural Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Kethavath Anjali
Priya Naik
- Organic
Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Gajjala Raveena
- Organic
Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Manjula Nemali
- Organic
Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Department
of Analytical and Structural Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
- Institute
of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Sector-20, Udyog Vihar, Gurugram, Haryana 122016, India
| | - Linga Banoth
- Organic
Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
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3
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Persaud KE, Sahu RR, Neary MC, Kapdi AR, Lakshman MK. Two short approaches to the COVID-19 drug β-D- N4-hydroxycytidine and its prodrug molnupiravir. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:735-740. [PMID: 38168802 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob02039h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Molnupiravir, the prodrug for β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC), is marketed by Merck as Lagevrio™ against mild-moderate COVID-19, under FDA emergency use authorization. It is the first oral drug against the disease. This work describes two synthetic approaches to NHC and molnupiravir by amide activation in uridine with a peptide-coupling agent and with a 4-chloropyrimidinone nucleoside intermediate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Persaud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Rajesh R Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Road, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Michelle C Neary
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anant R Kapdi
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Road, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Mahesh K Lakshman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.
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4
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Teli D, Balar P, Patel K, Sharma A, Chavda V, Vora L. Molnupiravir: A Versatile Prodrug against SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Metabolites 2023; 13:309. [PMID: 36837928 PMCID: PMC9962121 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleoside analog β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine is the active metabolite of the prodrug molnupiravir and is accepted as an efficient drug against COVID-19. Molnupiravir targets the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzyme, which is responsible for replicating the viral genome during the replication process of certain types of viruses. It works by disrupting the normal function of the RdRp enzyme, causing it to make mistakes during the replication of the viral genome. These mistakes can prevent the viral RNA from being transcribed, converted into a complementary DNA template, translated, or converted into a functional protein. By disrupting these crucial steps in the viral replication process, molnupiravir can effectively inhibit the replication of the virus and reduce its ability to cause disease. This review article sheds light on the impact of molnupiravir and its metabolite on SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, such as delta, omicron, and hybrid/recombinant variants. The detailed mechanism and molecular interactions using molecular docking and dynamics have also been covered. The safety and tolerability of molnupiravir in patients with comorbidities have also been emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Teli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Pankti Balar
- Pharmacy Department, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Kishan Patel
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Anu Sharma
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Vivek Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380008, India
| | - Lalit Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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5
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Venkatanarayana P, Kolli D, Seelama NV, Ramakrishna DS. Synthesis of molnupiravir (MK-4482, EIDD-2801): a promising oral drug for the treatment of COVID-19 starting from cytidine. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 42:427-435. [PMID: 36472346 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2153140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present work describes the synthesis of molnupiravir by employing commercially available inexpensive materials in two steps with an overall yield of 85.7%. The synthetic methodology starts with an eco-friendly starting material, that is, cytidine and establishes an alternative way to avoid costly enzyme mediated reactions. This synthetic strategy involves a selective acylation of cytidine as the first key step followed by the second step, that is, hydroxamination reaction. The major advantage of this protocol is that it is completely free of protection and deprotection reactions. Chemoselective acylation of cytidine's primary alcohol was achieved using isobutyryl chloride, Et3N, and DMF solvent (89.3% yield). The aqueous phase transformation was achieved for the hydroxamination reaction with a 96% yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Venkatanarayana
- Department of Engineering Chemistry, College of Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Deepti Kolli
- Department of Engineering Chemistry, College of Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Naresh Varma Seelama
- Department of Engineering Chemistry, College of Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - D. S. Ramakrishna
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
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6
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Pereira VRD, Bezerra MAM, Gomez MRBP, Martins GM, da Silva AD, de Oliveira KT, de Souza ROMA, Amarante GW. Concise two-step chemical synthesis of molnupiravir. RSC Adv 2022; 12:30120-30124. [PMID: 36329948 PMCID: PMC9585438 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra05064a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A concise synthesis of molnupiravir in a one-pot two-step approach starting from uridine is described. Formally, herein, two sets of one-pot two-reaction steps introducing simplicity for purifications and using chemically available reagents are presented. In this context, molnupiravir was obtained in up to 68% overall yield and multigram-scale. In addition, HPLC analysis showed the molnupiravir purity above 99%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius R D Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Campus Martelos Juiz de Fora Minas Gerais 36036-900 Brazil
| | - Marco A M Bezerra
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro 22041-909 Brazil
| | - Mauro R B P Gomez
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro 22041-909 Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Martins
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos Campus São Carlos, São Carlos São Paulo 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Adilson D da Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Campus Martelos Juiz de Fora Minas Gerais 36036-900 Brazil
| | - Kleber T de Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos Campus São Carlos, São Carlos São Paulo 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Rodrigo O M A de Souza
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro 22041-909 Brazil
| | - Giovanni W Amarante
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Campus Martelos Juiz de Fora Minas Gerais 36036-900 Brazil
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7
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Malik P, Jain S, Jain P, Kumawat J, Dwivedi J, Kishore D. A comprehensive update on the structure and synthesis of potential drug targets for combating the coronavirus pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2100382. [PMID: 35040187 PMCID: PMC9011541 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 created by its severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, known for producing a very severe acute respiratory syndrome, has created an unprecedented situation by its continual assault around the world. The crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 variant has been a global challenge, calling to mitigate this unprecedented pandemic that has engulfed the whole world. Since the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, many researchers globally have been grappling to find new clinically trialed active drugs with anti-COVID-19 activity, from antimalarial drugs to JAK inhibitors, antiviral drugs, immune suppressants, and so forth. This article presents a brief discussion on the activity and synthesis of some active molecules such as favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, pirfenidone, remdesivir, lopinavir, camostat, chloroquine, baricitinib, molnupiravir, and so forth, which are under trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Malik
- Department of ChemistryBanasthali VidyapithJaipurIndia
| | - Sonika Jain
- Department of ChemistryBanasthali VidyapithJaipurIndia
| | - Pankaj Jain
- Department of PharmacyBanasthali VidyapithJaipurIndia
| | - Jyoti Kumawat
- Department of ChemistryBanasthali VidyapithJaipurIndia
| | - Jaya Dwivedi
- Department of ChemistryBanasthali VidyapithJaipurIndia
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8
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Cruz G, Acosta J, Del Arco J, Clemente-Suárez VJ, Deroncele V, Fernández-Lucas J. Enzyme‐mediated synthesis of Molnupiravir: paving the way for the application of biocatalysis in pharmaceutical industry. ChemCatChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202200140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Cruz
- Universidad Europea de Madrid SLU Applied Biotechnology Group SPAIN
| | - Javier Acosta
- Universidad Europea: Universidad Europea de Madrid SLU Applied Biotechnology Group SPAIN
| | - Jon Del Arco
- Universidad Europea de Madrid SLU Applied Biotechnology Group SPAIN
| | | | | | - Jesús Fernández-Lucas
- Universidad Europea de Madrid Research and docotoral school C/ Tajo s/n 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón Madrid SPAIN
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9
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Gupta S, Sharma A, Mondal D, Bera S. Advancement of the Cleavage Methods of Carbohydrate-derived Isopropylidene and Cyclohexylidene Ketals. CURR ORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1385272826666220426104217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleosides, the fundamental building blocks of complex biomolecules in nature, are essential starting materials for the fabrication of natural and unnatural structural entities, which necessitate the masking and demasking of various functional groups with the utmost chemoselectivity, mildness, and efficiency to avoid unintended bond breaking and formation, as well as associated reactions. Ketals, benzylidene, methoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, silyl ethers, trityl, tert-butyl carbamate, and other functional groups are widely used in modern organic synthesis. In carbohydrate chemistry, the commonly used protecting functionality of isopropylidene and cyclohexylidene ketals necessitates effective methods for selective cleavage. This review summarises different methods for deblocking isopropylidene and cyclohexylidene ketals using inorganic acids, Lewis acid, silica-supported inorganic acids, Amberlite-120 (H+) resin, phosphotungstic acid, Nafion-H, NaBArF4.2H2O, montmorillonite clay, Dowex 50W-X8, camphorsulphonic acid (CSA), ceric ammonium nitrate, molecular iodine, ionic liquids, zeolites and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Gupta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar-382030, India
| | - Anjali Sharma
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar-382030, India
| | - Dhananjoy Mondal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar-382030, India
| | - Smritilekha Bera
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar-382030, India
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10
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Tian L, Pang Z, Li M, Lou F, An X, Zhu S, Song L, Tong Y, Fan H, Fan J. Molnupiravir and Its Antiviral Activity Against COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:855496. [PMID: 35444647 PMCID: PMC9013824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.855496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) constitutes a major worldwide public health threat and economic burden. The pandemic is still ongoing and the SARS-CoV-2 variants are still emerging constantly, resulting in an urgent demand for new drugs to treat this disease. Molnupiravir, a biological prodrug of NHC (β-D-N(4)-hydroxycytidine), is a novel nucleoside analogue with a broad-spectrum antiviral activity against SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Ebola virus (EBOV). Molnupiravir showed potent therapeutic and prophylactic activity against multiple coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV in animal models. In clinical trials, molnupiravir showed beneficial effects for mild to moderate COVID-19 patients with a favorable safety profile. The oral bioavailability and potent antiviral activity of molnupiravir highlight its potential utility as a therapeutic candidate against COVID-19. This review presents the research progress of molnupiravir starting with its discovery and synthesis, broad-spectrum antiviral effects, and antiviral mechanism. In addition, the preclinical studies, antiviral resistance, clinical trials, safety, and drug tolerability of molnupiravir are also summarized and discussed, aiming to expand our knowledge on molnupiravir and better deal with the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Tian
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zehan Pang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Maochen Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fuxing Lou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping An
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shaozhou Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfen Fan, ; Huahao Fan, ; Yigang Tong, ; Lihua Song,
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfen Fan, ; Huahao Fan, ; Yigang Tong, ; Lihua Song,
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfen Fan, ; Huahao Fan, ; Yigang Tong, ; Lihua Song,
| | - Junfen Fan
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfen Fan, ; Huahao Fan, ; Yigang Tong, ; Lihua Song,
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11
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Concise synthesis of antiviral drug, Molnupiravir by direct coupling of fully protected D-Ribose with cytosine. Tetrahedron Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2022.153783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Burke A, Birmingham WR, Zhuo Y, Thorpe TW, Zucoloto da Costa B, Crawshaw R, Rowles I, Finnigan JD, Young C, Holgate GM, Muldowney MP, Charnock SJ, Lovelock SL, Turner NJ, Green AP. An Engineered Cytidine Deaminase for Biocatalytic Production of a Key Intermediate of the Covid-19 Antiviral Molnupiravir. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:3761-3765. [PMID: 35224970 PMCID: PMC8915250 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for cost-effective processes to rapidly manufacture antiviral drugs at scale. Here we report a concise biocatalytic process for Molnupiravir, a nucleoside analogue recently approved as an orally available treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Key to the success of this process was the development of an efficient biocatalyst for the production of N-hydroxy-cytidine through evolutionary adaption of the hydrolytic enzyme cytidine deaminase. This engineered biocatalyst performs >85 000 turnovers in less than 3 h, operates at 180 g/L substrate loading, and benefits from in situ crystallization of the N-hydroxy-cytidine product (85% yield), which can be converted to Molnupiravir by a selective 5'-acylation using Novozym 435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh
J. Burke
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - William R. Birmingham
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Ying Zhuo
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Thomas W. Thorpe
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Bruna Zucoloto da Costa
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Rebecca Crawshaw
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Ian Rowles
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - James D. Finnigan
- Prozomix
Ltd, Building 4, West
End Ind. Estate, Haltwhistle NE49 9HA, U.K.
| | - Carl Young
- Prozomix
Ltd, Building 4, West
End Ind. Estate, Haltwhistle NE49 9HA, U.K.
| | - Gregory M. Holgate
- Sterling
Pharma Solutions, Sterling Place, Dudley, Northumberland NE23 7QG, U.K.
| | - Mark P. Muldowney
- Sterling
Pharma Solutions, Sterling Place, Dudley, Northumberland NE23 7QG, U.K.
| | - Simon J. Charnock
- Prozomix
Ltd, Building 4, West
End Ind. Estate, Haltwhistle NE49 9HA, U.K.
| | - Sarah L. Lovelock
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Nicholas J. Turner
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Anthony P. Green
- Department
of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
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13
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Peterson C, Paria S, Deshpande A, Ahmad S, Harmon A, Dillon J, Laird T. Cost of Goods Analysis Facilitates an Integrated Approach to Identifying Alternative Synthesis Methodologies for Lower Cost Manufacturing of the COVID-19 Antiviral Molnupiravir. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:8. [PMID: 35299948 PMCID: PMC8901586 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13509.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Orally delivered drugs offer significant benefits in the fight against viral infections, and cost-effective production is critical to their impact on pandemic response in low- and middle-income countries. One example, molnupiravir, a COVID-19 therapy developed by Emory, Ridgeback, and Merck & Co., had potential to benefit from significant cost of goods (COGs) reductions for its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), including starting materials. A holistic approach to identifying, developing, and evaluating optimized synthetic routes, which includes detailed COGs modeling, provides a rapid means to increase the availability, uptake and application of molnupiravir and other antivirals in global markets. Identification and development of alternate processes for the synthesis of molnupiravir has been conducted by the Medicines for All Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University (M4ALL) and the Green and Turner Labs at the University of Manchester. Both groups developed innovative processes based on synthetic route design and biocatalysis aimed at lowering costs and improving global access. The authors then performed COGs modeling to assess cost saving opportunities. This included a focus on manufacturing environments and facilities amenable to global public health and the identification of key parameters using sensitivity analyses. While all of the evaluated routes provide efficiency benefits, the best options yielded 3-6 fold API COGs reductions leading to treatment COGs as low as <$3/regimen. Additionally, key starting materials and cost drivers were quantified to evaluate the robustness of the savings. Finally, COGs models can continue to inform the focus of future development efforts on the most promising routes for additional cost savings. While the full price of a treatment course includes other factors, these alternative API synthetic approaches have significant potential to help facilitate broader access in low- and middle-income countries. As other promising therapeutics are developed, a similar process could enable rapid cost reductions while enhancing global access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayan Paria
- Latham BioPharm Group, Elkridge, Maryland, 21705, USA
| | - Anita Deshpande
- Medicines for All Institute, VCU, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Medicines for All Institute, VCU, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
| | - Andrew Harmon
- Latham BioPharm Group, Elkridge, Maryland, 21705, USA
| | - John Dillon
- JLD Pharma Consulting, LLC, Tinton Falls, New Jersey, 07724, USA
| | - Trevor Laird
- Trevor Laird Associates Ltd, East Sussex, TN21 0TG, UK
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14
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Hu T, Xie Y, Zhu F, Gong X, Liu Y, Xue H, Aisa HA, Shen J. “One-Pot” Synthesis of Molnupiravir from Cytidine. Org Process Res Dev 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Hu
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yuanchao Xie
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Fuqiang Zhu
- Topharman Shanghai Co., Ltd., No. 388 Jialilue Road, Zhangjiang Hitech Park, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xudong Gong
- Topharman Shanghai Co., Ltd., No. 388 Jialilue Road, Zhangjiang Hitech Park, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yin Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Xue
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Haji A. Aisa
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jingshan Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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15
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Zarenezhad E, Marzi M. Review on molnupiravir as a promising oral drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Med Chem Res 2022; 31:232-243. [PMID: 35002192 PMCID: PMC8721938 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02841-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, various drug candidates have been developed, molnupiravir (MK-4482 and EIDD-2801), which is a new orally anti-viral agent under development for the treatment of COVID-19, is under study in the final stage of the clinical trial. Molnupiravir enhances the replication of viral RNA mutations in animals and humans. Due to the high demand for the synthesis of this drug, it was essential to develop an efficient and suitable synthetic pathway from raw material. In this study, molecular docking analysis on molnupiravir is examined also, the mechanism of action (MOA) and the recent synthetic pathway is reported. This review will be helpful to different disciplines such as medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Zarenezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Marzi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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16
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Gopalsamuthiram V, Kadam AL, Noble JK, Snead DR, Williams C, Jamison TF, Senanayake C, Yadaw AK, Roy S, Sirasani G, Gupton BF, Burns J, Cook DW, Stringham RW, Ahmad S, Krack R. Toward a Practical, Nonenzymatic Process for Investigational COVID-19 Antiviral Molnupiravir from Cytidine: Supply-Centered Synthesis. Org Process Res Dev 2021; 25:2679-2685. [PMID: 34955627 PMCID: PMC8689649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A scalable four-step synthesis of molnupiravir from cytidine is described herein. The attractiveness of this approach is its fully chemical nature involving inexpensive reagents and more environmentally friendly solvents such as water, isopropanol, acetonitrile, and acetone. Isolation and purification procedures are improved in comparison to our earlier study as all intermediates can be isolated via recrystallization. The key steps in the synthesis, namely, ester formation, hydroxyamination, and deprotection were carried out on a multigram scale to afford molnupiravir in 36-41% yield with an average purity of 98 wt % by qNMR and 99 area% by HPLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Appasaheb L Kadam
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Jeffrey K Noble
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David R Snead
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Corshai Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Timothy F Jamison
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Chris Senanayake
- TCG Green Chem, Inc, Process R & D Center, Princeton South, Ewing, New Jersey 08628, United States
| | - Ajay K Yadaw
- TCG Green Chem, Inc, Process R & D Center, Princeton South, Ewing, New Jersey 08628, United States
| | - Sarabindu Roy
- TCG Green Chem, Inc, Process R & D Center, Princeton South, Ewing, New Jersey 08628, United States
| | - Gopal Sirasani
- TCG Green Chem, Inc, Process R & D Center, Princeton South, Ewing, New Jersey 08628, United States
| | - B Frank Gupton
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Justina Burns
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Daniel W Cook
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rodger W Stringham
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rudy Krack
- Medicines for All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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17
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Shagufta, Ahmad I. An Update on Pharmacological Relevance and Chemical Synthesis of Natural Products and Derivatives with Anti SARS-CoV-2 Activity. ChemistrySelect 2021; 6:11502-11527. [PMID: 34909460 PMCID: PMC8661826 DOI: 10.1002/slct.202103301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Natural products recognized traditionally as a vital source of active constituents in pharmacotherapy. The COVID-19 infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible, pathogenic, and considered an ongoing global health emergency. The emergence of COVID-19 globally and the lack of adequate treatment brought attention towards herbal medicines, and scientists across the globe instigated the search for novel drugs from medicinal plants and natural products to tackle this deadly virus. The natural products rich in scaffold diversity and structural complexity are an excellent source for antiviral drug discovery. Recently the investigation of several natural products and their synthetic derivatives resulted in the identification of promising anti SARS-CoV-2 agents. This review article will highlight the pharmacological relevance and chemical synthesis of the recently discovered natural product and their synthetic analogs as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The summarized information will pave the path for the natural product-based drug discovery of safe and potent antiviral agents, particularly against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta
- Department of Mathematics and Natural SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesAmerican University of Ras Al KhaimahRas Al Khaimah Road, P. O. Box10021Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Mathematics and Natural SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesAmerican University of Ras Al KhaimahRas Al Khaimah Road, P. O. Box10021Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
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18
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Ahmed A, Ahmed QN, Mukherjee D. Conversion of N-acyl amidines to amidoximes: a convenient synthetic approach to molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) from ribose. RSC Adv 2021; 11:36143-36147. [PMID: 35492778 PMCID: PMC9043332 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra06912h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient method is described for the preparation of molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) an antiviral agent via regioselective conversion of an N-acyl-nucleoside intermediate, generated through stereo and regioselective glycosylation of protected ribose and N 4-acetyl cytosine, to an amidoxime. This method avoids use of expensive starting materials, enzymes, complex reagents, and cumbersome purification procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaz Ahmed
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu 180001 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR-IIIM) Jammu-180001 India
| | - Qazi Naveed Ahmed
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu 180001 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR-IIIM) Jammu-180001 India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu 180001 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR-IIIM) Jammu-180001 India
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19
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Dey R, Nayak S, Das P, Yadav S. Short Synthesis of Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) via a Thionated Uridine Intermediate. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:28366-28372. [PMID: 34723033 PMCID: PMC8552467 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Molnupiravir (MK-4482, EIDD-2801) is an experimental drug that has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of COVID-19 in human clinical trials. Herein, we report a concise synthesis of the drug via a novel thionated derivative that relies on one-pot methodologies, thus decreasing the number of purification steps required. This route provides the drug in an overall 62% yield and >99% purity and uses cheap and readily available bulk chemicals, thereby providing an affordable synthesis of the drug for cheaper and wider global accessibility.
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20
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Paymode DJ, Vasudevan N, Ahmad S, Kadam AL, Cardoso FS, Burns JM, Cook DW, Stringham RW, Snead DR. Toward a Practical, Two-Step Process for Molnupiravir: Direct Hydroxamination of Cytidine Followed by Selective Esterification. Org Process Res Dev 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh J. Paymode
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - N. Vasudevan
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Appasaheb L. Kadam
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Flavio S.P. Cardoso
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Justina M. Burns
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Daniel W. Cook
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rodger W. Stringham
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David R. Snead
- Medicines For All Institute, 737 N 5th Street, Box 980100, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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21
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Hughes DL. Quest for a Cure: Potential Small-Molecule Treatments for COVID-19, Part 2. Org Process Res Dev 2021; 25:1089-1111. [PMID: 37556259 PMCID: PMC8084274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During the first year of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many drugs and drug candidates have been evaluated as treatment options. None yet has proved to be an effective cure, but progress in controlling the disease has been made. In June 2020 we published an article that described the mechanistic rationale behind the repurposing of seven licensed drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 and reviewed synthetic routes to these drugs. Several developments have occurred since then. Remdesivir (trade name Veklury) has been approved for use in the U.S. and Europe. Dexamethasone, a steroid drug first approved in 1959, has shown mortality reduction in severe COVID patients. Molnupiravir, a new and promising oral antiviral drug, is being studied in late-stage clinical trials. In this review, we update synthetic work that has been recently published on remdesivir, provide an overview of several routes to molnupiravir, and review classical routes to dexamethasone as well as some of those more recently developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Hughes
- sp3 Pharma Consulting, 6755 Mira Mesa Boulevard,
STE123-217, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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