1. Species Dependent Metabolism of a Covalent nsP2 Protease Inhibitor with in Vivo Anti-alphaviral Activity.
- Author
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Hossain MA, Mayo AK, Ghoshal A, Taft-Benz SA, Anderson EJ, Morales NL, Pressey KD, Vargason AM, Brouwer KLR, Moorman NJ, Heise MT, and Willson TM
- Abstract
RA-0002034 ( 1 ) is a potent covalent inhibitor targeting the alphavirus nsP2 cysteine protease. The species-dependent pharmacokinetics and metabolism of 1 were investigated to evaluate its therapeutic potential. Pharmacokinetic profiling revealed rapid clearance in mice, predominantly mediated by glutathione S -transferase (GST)-catalyzed conjugation. This metabolic liability contrasted with slower clearance observed in human hepatocytes and preclinical species such as rats, dogs, and monkeys. Cross-species studies confirmed the dominance of GST-driven metabolism in mice, whereas oxidative pathways were more pronounced in dogs. Despite rapid systemic clearance, 1 achieved antiviral efficacy in mice, reducing CHIKV viral loads in multiple tissues. Initial estimations of human hepatic clearance and half-life extrapolated from animal data indicate that b.i.d. dosing of 1 will be possible to maintain concentrations sufficient for antiviral activity in humans. These cross-species pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies support the continued evaluation of 1 as a promising anti-alphaviral therapeutic.
- Published
- 2025
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