High Affinity Small Molecule Inhibitors of Hepatitis C NS3/4A Protease

Description (Set) Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a growing global health problem with over 3 million new cases of HCV infection each year. Johns Hopkins University scientists have discovered a new class of small molecule non-peptidic inhibitors of the HCV NS3/4A protease. The HCV NS3/4A protease is an important serine protease that plays an essential role in the processing and maturation of non structural proteins in the virus and has been validated as an important target for HCV drug discovery. The inhibitors belong to a novel chemical scaffold and are therefore first in class. They additionally and most importantly are capable of inhibiting the HCV NS3/4A protease with a high affinity and due to the non-peptidic nature of the molecules should be well tolerated in animal studies and have little to no toxicity. The current HCV therapies involve combinations of Interferon with Rivabarin, which is only effective in approximately 50% of patients, have toxic effects, and are ineffective with several viral genotypes. Currently, the most advanced HCV NS3/4A inhibitors being tested in clinical trials are peptidic inhibitors. Proposed Use (Set) JHU scientist have discovered and synthesized first in class compounds which are protease inhibitors that can be used as powerful antiviral agents for the treatment of Hepatitic C virus.

Inventor(s): Freire, Ernesto ,Siles, Rogelio

Type of Offer: Licensing



« More Medical Patents

---