Biotech Values

[HobGlobulin]

RE: MK-7009

April 28, 2008 - Drug Discovery Chemistry 2008


http://www.healthtech.com/Conferences_Overview.aspx?id=71900

>> 2:30 Discovery of MK-7009: A Novel Macrocyclic Inhibitor of HCV NS3/4A Protease
Michael T. Rudd, Ph.D., Research Fellow, Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories
The current standard of care for HCV infection is treatment with pegylated interferon alpha in combination with ribavirin, however, this regimen results in limited efficacy and significant side effects. Efforts toward improved HCV treatment include the development of direct antiviral agents that inhibit key steps in the viral replication process. One such target is the HCV NS3/4A protease. Our interest has been in identifying novel HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors with good enzyme potency, cellular activity, and liver exposure. Toward this goal, initial targets were designed using molecular modeling. The development and optimization of lead compounds along with the profile of clinical candidate MK-7009 will be presented. <<