8-Aza-analogues of PMEA and PMEG: Synthesis and<i>In Vitro</i>Anti-HIV Activity

Abstract

Abstract 8-Aza-analogues of the potent antiviral nucleotide analogues 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA) and 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)-ethyl]guanine (PMEG) were prepared and evaluated for activity against human immunodeficiency viruses. When compared to the parent compounds, 8-aza-PMEA (1) and -PMEG (2) were less cytotoxic for MT-4 cells, but also less potent against HIV-1 and HIV-2. A new synthesis of PMEG starting from guanine is also reported.