Synthesis and Bioactivity of -(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-Methoxy-3-(Methylamino) Benzamide as a Potential Anti-HBV Agent.

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health concern that can cause acute and chronic liver diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to research novel anti-HBV agents. Our previous reports show that -phenylbenzamide derivatives exert broad-spectrum antiviral effects against HIV-1, HCV, and EV71 by increasing intracellular levels of APOBEC3G (A3G). As A3G is capable of inhibiting the replication of HBV, we screened the -phenylbenzamide derivatives against HBV.

METHODS

In this study, a new derivative, -(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-3-(methylamino) benzamide (IMB-0523), was synthesized and its anti-HBV activity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The acute toxicity and pharmacokinetic profiles of IMB-0523 were also investigated.

RESULTS

Our results show that IMB-0523 has higher anti-HBV activity in both wild-type HBV (IC: 1.99 µM) and drug-resistant HBV (IC: 3.30 µM) than lamivudine (3TC, IC: 7.37 µM in wild-type HBV, IC: >440 µM in drug-resistant HBV). The antiviral effect of IMB-0523 against HBV may be due to an increased level of intracellular A3G. IMB-0523 also showed low acute toxicity (LD: 448 mg/kg) in mice and promising PK properties (AUC: 7535.10±2226.73 µg·h/L) in rats. Further, IMB-0523 showed potent anti-HBV activity in DHBV-infected ducks.

CONCLUSION

Thus, IMB-0523 may be a potential anti-HBV agent with different mechanisms than current anti-HBV treatment options.