Synthesis of Novel <i>N</i>⁴-Hydrocytidine Analogs as Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging global pandemic with severe morbidity and mortality caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Molnupiravir, an ester prodrug form of N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC), was recently emergency-use approved for the treatment of early SARS-CoV-2 infections. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of a series of novel NHC analogs.

Keywords

• nucleoside
• antiviral agents
• COVID-19