Synthesis and evaluation of halogenated 12N-sulfonyl matrinic butanes as potential anti-coxsackievirus agents.

Twenty-eight new 12N-benzenesulfonyl matrinic butane and halogenated 12N-sulfonyl matrinic butane/ethane derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-coxsakievirus activities against CVB3 taking compound 1 as the lead. SAR analysis indicated the introduction of a fluoro atom on the 1'-position might be helpful for keeping potency. Among them, compound 8a exhibited potential activities against all CVBs with IC ranging from 0.69 to 5.14 μM, suggesting a broad-spectrum anti-coxsackievirus B feature. In addition, it also displayed an excellent PK and a good safety profile, indicating a highly druggable nature. Thus, we consider compound 8a to be a promising drug candidate in the treatment of not only viral myocarditis caused by CVB3 but also various diseases infected with coxsackieviruses B.