Design and synthesis of vidarabine prodrugs as antiviral agents

5′-O-d- and l-amino acid derivatives and 5′-O-(d- and l-amino acid methyl ester phosphoramidate) derivatives of vidarabine (ara-A) were synthesized as vidarabine prodrugs. Some compounds were equi- or more potent in vitro than vidarabine against two pox viruses and their uptake by cultured cells was improved compared to the parent drug.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of vidarabine prodrugs and their antiviral activities is reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide