Synthesis and characterization of 2′-C-Me branched C-nucleosides as HCV polymerase inhibitors

A series of 2′-C-methyl branched purine and pyrimidine C-nucleosides were prepared. Their anti-HCV activity and pharmacological properties were profiled, and compared with known 2′-C-Me N-nucleoside counterparts. In particular, 2′-C-Me 4-aza-7,9-dideazaadenosine C-nucleoside (2) was found to have potent and selective anti-HCV activity in vitro as well as a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and in vivo potential for enhanced potency over the corresponding N-nucleoside.