Knapp R, Tona V, Okada T, Sarpong R, Garg NK. Cyanoamidine Cyclization Approach to Remdesivir's Nucleobase.
Org Lett 2020;
22:8430-8435. [PMID:
33085486 PMCID:
PMC7653677 DOI:
10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03052]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We report an alternative approach to the unnatural nucleobase fragment seen in remdesivir (Veklury). Remdesivir displays broad-spectrum antiviral activity and is currently being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials to treat patients with COVID-19. Our route relies on the formation of a cyanoamidine intermediate, which undergoes Lewis acid-mediated cyclization to yield the desired nucleobase. The approach is strategically distinct from prior routes and could further enable the synthesis of remdesivir and other small-molecule therapeutics.
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