Parallel synthesis of pteridine derivatives as potent inhibitors for hepatitis C virus NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

From compound library screening using an HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymatic assay, we identified a pteridine hit compound with an IC(50) of 15 microM. Our SAR studies were focused on the different groups at the 6- and 7-positions, substitutions at the 4-position, and replacement of N(1) or N(3) with carbon in the pteridine ring. We found that NH or OH at 4-position is critical for the inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a hydrophobic substituent at the 4-position may help compounds permeate through the cell membrane.