Discovery of EGT710, an Oral Nonpeptidomimetic Reversible Covalent SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitor

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The coronavirus main protease (3CL pro, M pro, nsp5) is a highly conserved cysteine protease unique to the Coronaviridae family, including SARS-CoV-2, and is a validated target for the treatment of COVID-19. Our efforts focused on the identification of a nonpeptidomimetic M pro inhibitor, due to the potential for superior pharmacological properties. Herein, we report our efforts leveraging virtual screening and X-ray crystallography that enabled a structure-based drug design approach, leading to the discovery of series of quinazoline-2,4(1 H,3 H )-dione and oxoimidazolidine-4-carbonitrile compounds with potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 M pro as well as other coronaviruses main proteases. Extensive lead optimization focusing on pharmacokinetic properties, developability, and breadth of activity across coronaviruses, led to the identification of EGT710 . EGT710 demonstrates excellent potency against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a primary differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (dNHBE) cellular assay, as well as a favorable pharmacology profile that supported advancement into preclinical and clinical studies.

Source: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c02360

Institutions: Novartis (Switzerland), The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Novartis (Germany)

Language: English

Topic: SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Award: Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. - to deliver drug candidates to be developed for treatment of coronavirus infections including SARS-CoV-2

OpenAlex ID: W7128501673