Discovery of CMX990: A Potent SARS-CoV‑2 3CL Protease Inhibitor Bearing a Novel Warhead

There remains a need to develop novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic options that improve upon existing therapies by an increased robustness of response, fewer safety liabilities, and global-ready accessibility. Functionally critical viral main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an attractive target due to its homology within the coronaviral family, and lack thereof toward human proteases. In this disclosure, we outline the advent of a novel SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitor, CMX990, bearing an unprecedented trifluoromethoxymethyl ketone warhead. Compared with the marketed drug nirmatrelvir (combination with ritonavir = Paxlovid), CMX990 has distinctly differentiated potency (∼5× more potent in primary cells) and human in vitro clearance (>4× better microsomal clearance and >10× better hepatocyte clearance), with good in vitro-to-in vivo correlation. Based on its compelling preclinical profile and projected once or twice a day dosing supporting unboosted oral therapy in humans, CMX990 advanced to a Phase 1 clinical trial as an oral drug candidate for SARS-CoV-2.