The discovery of a pan-genotypic, primer grip inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase

Abstract

The development of a series of novel 7-azabenzofurans exhibiting pan-genotype inhibition of HCV NS5B polymerase <i>via</i> binding to the primer grip site is presented. Many challenges, including poor oral bioavailability, high clearance, bioactivation, high human serum shift, and metabolic stability were encountered and overcome through SAR studies. This work culminated in the selection of BMS-986139 (<b>43</b>) as a preclinical candidate.