Antimicrobial activity of the DNA minor groove binders furamidine and analogs

Aryl diamidine analogs of pentamidine and berenil that bind to the minor groove of DNA have been developed which show broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Several series of analogs of 2,5-bis[4-amidinophenyl]furan (furamidine) have been described which are quite effective when given intravenously, however they are ineffective on oral administration. Amidoxime and carbamate prodrugs of furamidine are quite effective when given orally. One of these prodrugs, a bis-O-methylamidoxime is currently in Phase II clinical trials.