Helicase-primase inhibitors from Medshine Discovery Inc. (WO2018/127207 and WO2020/007355) for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections - structure proposal for Phaeno Therapeutics drug candidate HN0037

Helicase-primase is an interesting target for small-molecule therapy of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. With amenamevir already approved for varicella-zoster virus and with pritelivir's granted breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant HSV infections in immunocompromised patients, the target has sparked interest for me-too approaches. We describe the opportunities and limitations of the helicase-primase inhibitor patent portfolio from Phaeno Therapeutics and propose the structure of their drug candidate HN0037, which has been in-licensed from Medshine Discovery.

Automated summary

Helicase-primase is an interesting target for therapy of herpes simplex virus infections. Multiple drug candidates have been developed and approved. This article describes the patent portfolio of helicase-primase inhibitors from Phaeno Therapeutics and proposes the structure of their drug candidate HN0037.