Poxviruses are a large group of human pathogens that include the causative agent of smallpox, Monkeypox, and Cowpox. As poxvirus immunity around the world wanes there has been a concomitant increase in poxviral disease, leading to a growing need for small molecule therapeutics that protect against poxviral disease. There are several investigational drugs that have been used to treat cases of orthopoxvirus infection and one has been recently approved by the FDA for limited use, but viral resistance to this compound has been noted. The WHO, CDC and other agencies have stated a strong desire for at least two small molecule therapeutics that broadly target poxviruses due to the high perceived risk of poxviral disease both from endemic exposure as well as the potential purposeful release of smallpox as a bioterror agent. This goal has not yet been met. We have identified a family of non-nucleoside small molecules (?PDPMs?) that show broad spectrum antipoxviral activity and low/no toxicity to cells and suppress viral mRNA production. Our current data suggests is that the drug is targeting the poxvirus RNA polymerase (RNAP), which would be an ideal target that is highly conserved across all poxviruses. Through this proposal we will probe the potential of PDPMs to become effective antivirals, using medicinal chemistry approaches to identify compounds with high potency and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. To aid and complement the therapeutic development of these molecules, we will use genetic, biochemical and chemical approaches to determine the target of the compound and the mechanism by which it blocks viral replication. Following the identification of high potency, pharmacologically favorable compounds, we will test their efficacy in animal models of poxvirus disease. These experiments will be carried out through an ongoing collaboration at the CDC. The CDC will oversee testing of PDPMs against smallpox and in efficacy determination in animal models of poxviral disease. When these efforts are completed they will enable advanced (towards first-in-human) testing of a new class of poxvirus inhibitor ? an inhibitor that has a mechanism of action complementary to the existing FDA approved compound and a broad protection profile, fulfilling the need for multi-compound protection from these significant human pathogens.
Poxviruses are infectious agents that are causing growing number of infections and have well-acknowledged bioterror potential. Through the work described here we will develop a class of small molecules that block the ability of critical poxvirus machinery to function. We will define how the molecule works and create a high-potency analog that will act as a therapeutic approach to broadly combat poxviral disease.
