We describe herein the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of tripeptidyl alpha-ketoamides as human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease inhibitors. The most potent inhibitor discussed in this manuscript, 4I, exhibited impressive enzyme inhibitory activity as well as antiviral activity against HRV-14.
Discovery Chemistry Research and Technology, Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. chen_shu-hui@lilly.com