AU2014203816B2

AU2014203816B2 - Methods and compositions for treating hepatitis C virus

Info

Publication number: AU2014203816B2
Application number: AU2014203816A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paolo La Colla; Jean-Pierre Sommadossi
Original assignee: Univ Degli Studi Cagliari; Universita degli Studi di Cagliari; Idenix Pharmaceuticals LLC
Current assignee: Universita degli Studi di Cagliari; Idenix Pharmaceuticals LLC
Priority date: 2000-05-23
Filing date: 2014-07-10
Publication date: 2016-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2021-05-23
Also published as: AU2013203966B2; AU2013203974B2; AU2013203966A1; AU2013203974A1; AU2014203816A1

Abstract

C:\NRPortblDCM 46351. DOC-1/10/2012 The present invention provides a method for the treatment of a hepatitis C virus infection in a host, the method comprising administering to the host an effective amount of a purine or pyrimidine p-D-2'-methyl-ribofuranosyl nucleoside or a stabilized phosphate prodrug thereof. </N0 NI 0r OH OH OH OH OH OH p-D-2'-CH 3riboG p-D-2'-CH 3-riboC P-D-2'-CH 3-riboU OH OH OH OH OHOH P-D-2'-CH3riboA 0 Ci-2'-0H34bo D-CHriboT HD N N N :NH Ha H HY OH OH OH OH J - D-1-CH,7bo P-iboA -- 1'-C ftDgriboGb If NHN N O N, HO%.JHO~IH FIAU Ribavirin Chemical Structure of illustrative Nucleosides

Description

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING HEPATITIS C VIRUS

This is a divisional of Australian patent application No. 2012233015, which in turn is a divisional of 2010200077, which in turn is a divisional of 2006203121, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the area of pharmaceutical chemistry, and is in particular, is a compound, method and composition for the treatment of hepatitis C virus. This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application no. 60/206,585, filed on May 23,2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. (Boyer, N.etaLJ. Hepatol. 32:98-112, 2000). HCV causes a slow growing viral infection and is the major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (Di Besceglie, A. M. and Bacon, B. R., Scientific American, Oct: 80-85, (1999); Boyer, N. et al. J. Hepatol 32:98-112, 2000). An estimated 170 million persons are infected with HCV worldwide. (Boyer, N. et al. J. Hepatol. 32:98-112, 2000). Cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis C infection accounts for 8,000-12,000 deaths per year in the United States, and HCV infection is the leading indication for liver transplant. HCV is known to cause at least 80% of posttransfusion hepatitis and a substantial proportion of sporadic acute hepatitis. Preliminary evidence also implicates HCV in many cases of “idiopathic” chronic hepatitis, “cryptogenic" cirrhosis, and probably hepatocellular carcinoma unrelated to other hepatitis viruses, such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). A small proportion of healthy persons appear to be chronic HCV carriers, varying with geography and other epidemiological factors. The numbers may substantially exceed those for HBV, though information is still preliminary, how many of these persons have subclinical chronic liver disease is unclear. (The Merck Manual, ch. 69, p. 901,16th ed., (1992)). HCV has been classified as a member of the virus family Flsviviridae that includes the genera flaviviruses, pestiviruses, and hapaceiviruses which includes hepatitis C viruses (Rice, C. M., Flaviviridae: The viruses and their replication. In: Fields Virology, Editors:

Fields, B. N., Knipe, D. M., and Howley, P. M., Lippincott-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, PA, Chapter 30, 931-959, 1996). HCV is an enveloped virus containing a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 9.4kb. The viral genome consists of a 5' untranslated region (UTR), a long open reading frame encoding a polyprotein precursor of approximately 3011 amino acids, and a short 3' UTR. The 5' UTR is the most highly conserved part of the HCV genome and is important for the initiation and control of polyprotein translation. Translation of the HCV genome is initiated by a cap-independent mechanism known as internal ribosome entry. This mechanism involves the binding of ribosomes to an RNA sequence known as the internal ribosome entry site (IRES). An RNA pseudoknot structure has recently been determined to be an essential structural element of foe HCV IRES. Viral structural proteins include a nucleocapsid core protein (Q and two envelope glycoproteins, El and E2. HCV also encodes two proteinases, a zinc-dependent metalloproteinase encoded by foe NS2-NS3 region and a serine proteinase encoded in the NS3 region. These proteinases are required for cleavage of specific regions of the precursor polyprotein into mature peptides. The carboxyl half of nonstructural protein 5, NS5B, contains foe RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The function of the remaining nonstructural proteins, NS4A and NS4B, and that of NSSA (the amino-terminal half of nonstructural protein 5) remain unknown. A significant focus of current antiviral research is directed toward the development of improved methods of treatment of chronic HCV infections in humans (Di Besceglie, A. M. and Bacon, B. R., Scientific American, Oct.: 80-85, (1999)). Currently, there are two primary antiviral compounds, Ribavirin and interferon-alpha, which are used for the treatment of chronic HCV infections in Humans.

Treatment of HCV Infection with Rlbivarin

Ribavirin (1 -/3-D-ribofuranosyl-1-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) is a synthetic, non-mterferon-mducing, broad spectrum antiviral nucleoside analog sold undo: tire trade name, Virazole (The Merck Index, 11th edition, Editor Budavari, S., Mock & Co., hie., Rahway, NJ, pl304, 1989). United States Patent No. 3,798,209 and RE29.835 disclose and claim Ribavirin. Ribavirin is structurally similar to guanosine, and has in vitro activity against several DNA and RNA viruses including Flaviviridae (Gary L. Davis. Gastroenterology 118:S104-S114,2000).

Ribavirin reduces serum amino transferase levels to normal in 40% or patients, but it does not lower serum levels of HCV-RNA (Gary L. Davis. Gastroenterology 118:S104-S114, 2000). Thus, Ribavirin alone is not effective in reducing viral RNA levels. Additionally, Ribavirin has significant toxicity and is known to induce anemia.

Treatment of HCV Infection with Interferon

Interferons (IFNs) are compounds that have been commercially available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis for nearly a decade. IFNs are glycoproteins produced by immune cells in response to viral infection. IFNs inhibit viral replication of many viruses, including HCV, and when used as the sole treatment for hepatitis C infection, IFN suppresses serum HCV-RNA to undetectable levels. Additionally, IFN normalizes serum amino transferase levels. Unfortunately, the effects of IFN are temporary and a sustained response occurs in only 8%-9% of patients chronically infected with HCV (Gary L. Davis. Gastroenterology 118:S104-S114,2000). A number of patents disclose HCV treatments using interferon-based therapies. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,980,884 to Blatt et al. discloses methods for retreatment of patients afflicted with HCV using consensus interferon. U.S. Patent No. 5,942,223 to Bazer et al discloses an anti-HCV therapy using ovine or bovine interferon-tau. U.S. Patent No. 5,928,636 to Alber et al. discloses the combination therapy of interleukin-12 and interferon alpha for the treatment of infectious diseases including HCV. U.S. Patent No. 5,908,621 to Glue et al. discloses the use of polyethylene glycol modified interferon for the treatment of HCV. U.S. Patent No. 5,849,696 to Chretien et al. discloses the use of thymosins, alone or in combination with interferon, for treating HCV. U.S. Patent No. 5,830,455 to Valtuena et al. discloses a combination HCV therapy employing interferon and a free radical scavenger. U.S. Patent No. 5,738,845 to Imakawa discloses the use of human interferon tau proteins for treating HCV. Other interferon-based treatments for HCV are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,676,942 to Testa et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,372,808 to Blatt et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,849,696.

Combination of Interferon and Ribavirin

The combination of IFN and Ribavirin fertile treatment of HCV infection has been reported to be effective in the treatment of IFN naive patients (Battaglia, AJVL et al., Ann. Pharmacother. 34:487-494, 2000). Results are promising for this combination treatment both before hepatitis develops or when histological disease is present (Berenguer, VL et al Antivir. Ther. 3(Suppl. 3):125-136, 1998). Side effects of combination therapy molmfe hemolysis, flu-like symptoms, anemia, and fatigue. (Gary L. Davis. Gastroenterology 118:S104-S114,2000).

Additional References Disclosing Methods to Treat WTV Infections A number of HCV treatments are reviewed by Bymock et al. in Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy, 11:2; 79-95 (2000).

Several substrate-based NS3 protease inhibitors have been identified in the literature, in which the scissile amide bond of a cleaved substrate is replaced by an electrophile, which interacts with the catalytic serine. Attwood et al. (199S) Antiviral peptide derivatives, 98/22496; Attwood et al. (1999), Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 10.259-273; Attwood et al. (1999) Preparation and use of amino acid derivatives as anti-viral agents, German Patent Publication DE 19914474; Tung et al. (1998) Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly hepatitis C virus NS3 protease, WO 98/17679. The reported inhibitors terminate in an electrophile such as a boronic acid or phosphonate. Llinas-Brunet et al. (1999) Hepatitis C inhibitor peptide analogues, WO 99/07734. Two classes of electrophile-based inhibitors have been described, alphaketoamides and hydrazinoureas.

The literature has also described a number of non-substrate-based inhibitors. For example, evaluation of die inhibitory effects of 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-nitro-benzamide derivatives against HCV protease and other serine proteases has been reported. Sudo, K. et al., ¢1997) Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 238:643-647; Sudo, K. et al. (1998) Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 9:186. Using a reverse-phase HPLC assay, the two most potent compounds identified were KD3-4082 and RD3-4078, the former substituted on the amide with a 14 carbon chain and the latter processing a para-phenoxyphenyl group.

Thiazolidine derivatives have been identified as micromolar inhibitors, using a reverse-phase HPLC assay with an NS3/4A fusion protein and NS5A/5B substrate. Sudo, K. et al. (1996) Antiviral Research 32:9-18. Compound RD-1-6250, possessing a fused cinnamoyl moiety substituted with a long alkyl chain, was die most potent against the isolated enzyme. Two other active examples were KD4 6205 and RD4 6193.

Other literature reports screening of a relatively small library using an ELISA assay and the identification of three compounds as potent inhibitors, a thiazolidine and two benzanilides. Kakiuchi N. et al. J. EBS Letters 421:217-220; Takeshita N. et al, Analytical Biochemistry 247:242-246, 1997. Several U.S. patents disclose protease inhibitors for the treatment of HCV. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,004,933 to Spruce et al discloses a class of cysteine protease inhibitors for inhibiting HCV endopeptidase 2. U.S. Patent No. 5,990,276 to Zhang et al. discloses synthetic inhibitors of hepatitis C virus NS3 protease. The inhibitor is a subsequence of a substrate of the NS3 protease or a substrate of the NS4A cofactor. The use of restriction enzymes to treat HCV is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,538,865 to Reyes etal.

Isolated from die fermentation culture broth of Streptomyces sp., Sch 68631, a phenan-tbrenequinone, possessed micromolar activity against HCV protease in a SDS-PAGE and autoradiography assay. Chu M. et al., Tetrahedron Letters 37:7229-7232, 1996. In another example by the same authors, Sch 351633, isolated from the fungus Penicillium griscofuluum, demonstrated micromolar activity in a scintillation proximity assay. Chu M. et al., Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 9:1949-1952. Nanomolar potency against the HCV NS3 protease enzyme has been achieved by the design of selective inhibitors based on the macromolecule eglin c. Eglin c, isolated from leech, is a potent inhibitor of several serine proteases such as S. griseus proteases A and B, otchymotrypsin, chymase and subtilisin. Qasim MA et al.. Biochemistry 36:1598-1607,1997. HCV helicase inhibitors have also been reported. U.S. Patent No. 5,633,358 to Diana G.D. et al.; PCT Publication No. WO 97/36554 of Diana GD. et al.. There are a few reports of HCV polymerase inhibitors: some nucleotide analogues, gliotoxin and die natural product cerulenin. Ferrari R. et al., Journal of Virology 73:1649-1654, 1999; Lohmann V. etal., Virology 249:108-118, 1998.

Antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to sequence stretches in the 5’ non-coding region of die HCV, are reported as efficient inhibitors of HCV gene expression in in vitro translation and IIcpG2 HCV-luciferase cell culture systems. Alt M. et al., Hepatology 22:707-717, 1995. Recent work has demonstrated that nucleotides 326-348 comprising the 3’ aid of die NCR and nucleotides 371-388 located in the core coding region of die HCV RNA are effective targets for antisense-mediated inhibition of viral translation. Alt M. et al., Archives of Virology 142:589-599, 3997. U.S.

Patent No. 6,001,990 to Wands et al. discloses oligonucleotides for inhibiting the replication of HCV. PCT Publication No. WO 99/29350 discloses compositions and methods of treatment for hepatitis C infection comprising the administration of antisense oligonucleotides that are complementary and hybridizable to HCV-RNA. U.S. Patent No. 5,922,857 to Han et al. disclose nucleic acids corresponding to die sequence of the pestiviius homology box IV area for controlling the translation of HCV. Antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents have been recently reviewed (Galderisi U. et al., Journal of Cellular Physiology 181:251-257,1999).

Other compounds have been reported as inhibitors of IRES-dependent translation in HCV. Japanese Patent Publication JP-08268890 of Dceda N et al:, Japanese Patent Publication JP-10101591 ofKai, Y. et al. Nuclease-resistant ribozymes have been targeted at the IRES and recently reported as inhibitors in an HCV-poliovirus chimera plaque assay. Maccjak D J. et al, Hepatology 30 abstract 995,1999. The use of ribozymes to treat HCV is also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,043,077 to Barber et al., and U.S. Patent Nos. 5,869,253 and 5,610,054 to Draper et al. «

Other patents disclose the use of immune system potentiating compounds for the treatment of HCV. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,001,799 to Chretien et aL discloses a method of treating hepatitis C in non-responders to interferon treatment by administering an immune system potentiating dose of thymosin or a thymosin fragment. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,972,347 to Eder et al. and 5,969,109 to Bona et al. disclose antibody-based treatments for treating HCV. U.S. Patent No. 6,034,134 to Gold et al. discloses certain NMDA receptor agonists having immunodulatory, antimalaria], anti-Boma virus and anti-Hepatitis C activities. The disclosed NMDA receptor agonists belong to a family of 1 -amino-alkylcyclohexanes. U.S. Patent No. 6,030,960 to Morris-Nalschke et al. discloses the use of certain alkyl lipids to inhibit die production of hepatitis-induced antigens, including those produced by the HCV virus. U.S. Patent No. 5,922,757 to Chojkier et aL discloses the use of vitamin E and other antioxidants to treat hepatic disorders including HCV. U.S. Patent No. 5,858,389 to Elsherbi et al. discloses the use of squalene for treating hepatitis C. U.S. Patent No. 5,849,800 to Smith et al discloses the use of amantadine for treatment of Hepatitis C. U.S. Patent No. 5,846,964 to Ozeld et al. discloses the use of bile acids for treating HCV. U.S.

Patent No. 5,491,135 to Blougjh et al. discloses the use of N-(phosphonoacetyl)-L-aspartic acid to treat flaviviiuses such as HCV.

Other compounds proposed for treating HCV include plant extracts (U.S. Patent No. 5,837,257 to Tsai et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,725,859 to Omer et aL, and U.S. Patent No. 6,056,961), piperidenes (U.S. Patent No. 5,830,905 to Diana et al.), benzenedicatboxamides (U.S. Patent No. 5,633,388 to Diana et al.), polyadenylic acid derivatives (U.S. Patent No. 5,496,546 to Wang et aL), 2'3'-dideoxyinosine (U.S. Patent No. 5,026,687 to Yarchoan et al), benzimidazoles (U.S. Patent No. 5,891,874 to Colacino et al.).

In light of the feet that die hepatitis C virus has reached epidemic levels worldwide, and has tragic effects on die infected patient, there remains a strong need to provide new effective pharmaceutical agents to treat hepatitis C that has low toxicity to die host

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compound, method and composition for die treatment of a host infected with hepatitis C virus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Compounds, methods and compositions for die treatment of hepatitis C infection are described that include an effective hepatitis C treatment amount of a β-Ό- or j8-L~nucleoside of the Formulas (I) - (XVIII), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrag thereof. hi a first principal embodiment, a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(D wherein: R'.R2 andR3 are independentiy Ή, phosphate (including mono·, di- or triphosphate and a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including ruethanesulfanyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 orR3 is independently H or phosphate; Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR'fc5 or SR4; X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a second principal embodiment, a compound ofFormula Π, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided;

(Π) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulftrayl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an ammo acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4R5 or SR4; X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NH^NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a third principal embodiment, a compound of Formula m, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(ΠΓ) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, diphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino add; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^R5 or SR4; X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a fourth principal embodiment, a compound of Formula IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(IV) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H, phosphate (including mono·, di- or triphosphate and a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R, R or R3 is independently H or phosphate; Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^R5 or SR4; X1 is selected horn the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NRS or SR5; and R4 and Rs are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a fifth principal embodiment, a compound of Formula V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(V) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR'fc5 or SR4; X1 is selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl). hi a sixth principal embodiment, a compound of Formula VI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(VI) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfbnyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR'fc5 or SR4; X1 is selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a seventh principal embodiment, a compound selected from Formulas VH, Vm and IX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided:

(VII) (Vm) (IX) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfbnyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, 2-Br-ethyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -O(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -O(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), CF3, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; and X is 0, S, SQ2 or (¾.

In a eighth principal embodiment, a compound of Formulas X, XI and ΧΠ, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(X) (X9 (ΧΠ) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein;

Rl, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower.alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or aryialkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including Iowa- alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -O(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R7 is hydrogen, OR3, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(O)0(alkyl), -C(O)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; and X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a ninth principal embodiment a compound selected fawn Formulas ΧΙΠ, XIV and XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(ΧΙΠ) (XIV) (XV) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -O(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fiuoio, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; and X is O, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a tenth principal embodiment die invention provides a compound of Formula XVI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof:

(XVI) wherein:

Base is apurine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1 and R2 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester inr-liwiing alkyl or axylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in file definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein Rl or R2 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO* NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyI), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyi), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO* NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkylfo -N(acyl)2; R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, R7 and R10, R8 and R9, or R8 and R10 can come together to form a pi bond; and

XisO,S,S02orCH2.

In a eleventh principal embodiment the invention provides a compound of Formula XVII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof:

(XVII) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1 and R2 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or aryialkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 or R2 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)2, -Nfacylfe; R7 and R9 are independendy hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; R10 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, or R7 and R10 can come together to form a pi bond; and X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2.

In an twelfth principal embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula XVm, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrag thereof:

(xvm) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1 and R2 independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 or R2 is independently Ή or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acjd), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -O(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fhioro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acji), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(lower-alkyi)amino; R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, or R8 and R9 can come together to form a pi bond; X is 0, S, S02 or CH2.

The /3-D- and /8-L-nucleosides of this invention may inhibit HCV polymerase activity. Nucleosides can be screened for their ability to inhibit HCV polymerase activity in vitro according to screening methods set forth more particularly herein. One can readily determine the spectrum of activity by evaluating the compound in the assays described herein or with another confirmatory assay.

In one embodiment the efficacy of the anti-HCV compound is measured according to the concentration of compound necessary to reduce the plaque number of the virus in vitro, according to methods set forth more particularly herein, by 50% (i.e. the compound's EC»)· Ei preferred embodiments the compound exhibits an EC» of less than 25, 15,10, 5, or 1 micromolar. hi nrirtt}]Pf embodiment, the active compound can be administered in combination or alternation with another anii-HCV agent. In combination therapy, an effective dosage of two or more agents are administered together, whereas during alternation therapy an effective dosage of each agent is administered serially. The dosages will depend on absorption, inactivation, and excretion rates of the drug as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art. It is to be noted that dosage values will also vary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens and schedules should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions.

Nonlimiting examples of antiviral agents that can be used in combination with the compounds disclosed herein include: (1) an interferon and/or ribavirin (Battaglia, A.M. et al., Arm. Phannacother. 34:487-494,2000); Berenguer, M. et al Antivir. Ther. 3(Suppl. 3):125-136,1998); (2) Substrate-based NS3 protease inhibitors (Altwood et al., Antiviral peptide derivatives, PCT WO 98/22496, 1998; Attwood et al., Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 10.259-273, 1999; Attwood et al., Preparation and use of amino add derivatives as anti-viral agents, German Patent Publication DE 19914474; Tung et al. Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly hepatitis C virus NS3 protease, PCT WO 98/17679), including alphaketoamides and hydrazinouieas, and inhibitors that terminate in an electrophile such as a boronic arid or phosphonate. Llinas-Brunet et al, Hepatitis C inhibitor peptide analogues, PCT WO 99/07734. (3) Non-substrate-based inhibitors such as 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-nitro-benzamide derivatives (Sudo K. et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 238:643-647, 1997; Sudo K. et al. Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 9:186, 1998), including KD3-4082 and RD3-4078, the former substituted on the amide with a 14 caxbon chain and the latter processing apanz-phenoxyphenyl group; (4) Thiazolidine derivatives which show relevant inhibition in a reverse-phase HPLC assay with an NS3/4A fusion protein and NS5A/5B substrate (Sudo K. et al.,

Antiviral Research 32:9-18, 1996), especially compound RD-1-6250, possessing a fused cinnamoyl moiety substituted with a long alkyl chain, RD4 6205 and RD4 6193; (5) Thiazolidines and benzanilides identified in Kakiuchi N. et al. J. EBS Letters 421:217-220; TakeshitaN. etal Analytical Biochemistry 247:242-246,1997; (6) A phenan-threnequinone possessing activity against HCV protease in a SDS-PAGE and autoradiography assay isolated from the fermentation culture broth of Streptomyces sp., Sch 68631 (Chu M. et al., Tetrahedron Letters 51:1229-1231, 1996), and Sch 351633, isolated from the fungus Penicillium griscofulwm, which demonstrates activity in a scintillation proximity assay (Chu M. et al, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 9:1949-1952); (7) Selective NS3 inhibitors based on the macromolecule elgjn c, isolated from leech (Qasim MA. et al., Biochemistry 36:1598-1607,1997); (8) HCV helicase inhibitors (Diana GD. et aL, Compounds, compositions and methods for treatment of hepatitis C, U.S. Patent No. 5,633,358; Diana G.D. et al., Piperidine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and their use in the treatment of hepatitis C, PCT WO 91/36554); (9) HCV polymerase inhibitors such as nucleotide analogues, gliotoxin (Ferrari R. et al. Journal of Virology 73:1649-1654, 1999), and the natural product cerulenin (Lohmann V.etal., Virology 249:108-118,1998); (10) Antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODN) complementary to sequence stretches in the 5’ non-coding region (NCR) of the HCV (Alt M. et aL, Hepatology 22:707-717, 1995), or nucleotides 326-348 comprising the 3’ end of the NCR and nucleotides 371-388 located in the core coding region of the HCV RNA (Alt M. et aL, Archives of Virology 142:589-599,1997; Galderisi U. et al., Journal of Cellular Physiology 181:251-257,1999); (11) Inhibitors of IRES-dependent translation (Ikeda N et al., Agent for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C, Japanese Patent Publication JP-08268890; Kai Y. et al. Prevention and treatment of viral diseases, Japanese Patent Publication JP-10101591); ¢12) Nuclease-resistant ribozymes (Maccjak D.J. et al, Hepatology 30 abstract 995, 1999); and (13) Other miscellaneous compounds including 1-amino-alkyicyclohexanes (U.S. Patent No. 6,034,134 to Gold et al.), alkyl lipids (U.S. Patent No. 5,922,757 to Chojkier et aL), vitamin E and other antioxidants (U.S. Patent No. 5,922,757 to Chojkier et aL), squalene, amantadine, bile acids (U.S. Patent No. 5,846,964 to Ozeki et al.), N-(phosphonoacetyl)-L-aspartic acid, (U.S. Patent No. 5,830,905 to Diana et al.), benzenedicarboxamides (U.S. Patent No. 5,633,388 to Diana et al.), polyadenylic acid derivatives (U.S. Patent No. 5,496,546 to Wang et al.), 2'β'-dideoxyinosine (U.S. Patent No. 5,026,687 to Yarchoan et al.), and benzimidazoles (U.S. Patent No. 5,891,874 to Colacino etal.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 provides die structure of various non-limiting examples of nucleosides of the present invention, as well as other known nucleosides, FIAU and Ribavirin, which are used as comparative examples in the text

Figure 2 is a line graph of the pharmacokinetics (plasma concentrations) of β-ϋ-2’-CH3-riboG administered to six Cynomolgus Monkeys over time after administration.

Figure 3a and 3b are line graphs of the pharmacokinetics (plasma concentrations) of p-D-2’-CH3-riboG administered to Cynomolgus Monkeys either intravenously (3a) or orally (3b) over time after administration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention as disclosed herein is a compound, method and composition for the treatment of hepatitis C in humans or other host animals, that includes administering an effective HCV treatment amount of a /3-D- or /?-L~nucleoside as described herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The compounds of this invention either possess antiviral (i.e., anti-HCV) activity, or are metabolized to a compound that exhibits such activity. Ια summary, the present invention includes the following features: (a) /3-D- and /3-L-nucleosides, as described herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof; (b) /3-D- and /3-L-nucleosides as described herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodiugs thereof for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of an HCV infection, especially in individuals diagnosed as having an HCV infection or being at risk for becoming infected by HCV;

(c) use of these /3-D- and /3-L-nucleosides, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrags thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of an HCV infection; (d) pharmaceutical formulations comprising the /3-D- or /3-L-nucleosides or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent; (e) /3-D- and /3-L-nucleosides as described herein substantially in the absence of enantiomers of the described nucleoside, or substantially isolated from other chemical entities; (f) processes for the preparation of /3-D- and 3-L-nucleosides, as described in more detail below; and (g) processes for the preparation of /3-D- and /3-L-nucleosides substantially in the absence of enantiomers of the described nucleoside, or substantially isolated from other chemical entities. L Active Compound, and Physiologically Acceptable Salts and Prodrues Thereof

In a first principal embodiment, a compound of Formula L or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(D wherein: in i R , R and R are independently H, phosphate (including mono-, di- or triphosphate and a stabilized phosphate prodiug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR'fc5 or SR4; X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryi, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^NR5 or SR5; and R4 and Rs are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof) is provided wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or phosphate (preferably H); X1 isH; X2 is H or NH2; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, NH2 or OH.

In a second principal embodiment, a compound of Formula Π, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof) is provided:

(Π) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^5 or SR4; X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula Π, or a pharmaceutically > acceptable salt or prodrug thereof) is provided wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or phosphate (preferably H); X1 isH; X2isHorNH2;and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, NH2 or OH.

In a third principal embodiment, a compound of Formula HI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided:

(HI) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyj sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is enable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^5 or SR4; X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aiyl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula ΙΠ, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof) is provided wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or phosphate (preferably H); X1 isH;

XzisHorNE2;and Y is hydrogen, hromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, NH2 or OH.

(IV) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H, phosphate (including mono-, di- or triphosphate and a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R , R or R3 is independently H or phosphate; Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^5 or SR4; X1 is selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR^NR5 or SR3; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or phosphate (preferably H); X1 is H or CH3; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluaro, iodo, NH2 or OH.

(V) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR'fc5 or SR4; X1 is selected from the group consisting of H, straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro drug thereof is provided wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or phosphate (preferably H); X1 is H or CH3; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, NH2 or OH.

In a sixth principal embodiment, a compound of Formula VI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(VI) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug), acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR'fc5 or SR4; X1 is selected from the group consisting of If straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl, CO-alkyl, CO-aryl, CO-alkoxyalkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, OR4, NR4NR5 or SR5; and R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, acyl (including lower acyl), or alkyl (including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl and cyclopropyl).

In a preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula VI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or phosphate (preferably H); X1 is H or CH3; and Y is hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, iodo, NH2 or OH.

In a seventh principal embodiment, a compound selected from Formulas VII, Vm and IX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof) is provided:

(VII) (VUI) (IX) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of atyl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, 2-Br-ethyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(Iower alkyl), -0(aflcenyl), 0½. chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; and X is 0, S, SO2, or CH2.

In a first preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula VH, Vm or IX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof) is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or phosphate; R6is alkyl; and X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2-

Ill a second prefared subembodiment, a compound of Formula VT3, vm or DC, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogens; R6is alkyl; and X is 0, S, SO2 or 0¾.

In a third preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula VII, VUI or DC, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or phosphate; R6 is alkyl; and

Xis 0.

In a eighth principal embodiment, a compound of Formula X, XI or ΧΠ, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided:

(X) (XD (ΧΠ) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyi), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(Iower acyl), -0(alkyl), -O(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chloio, bramo, fluoio, iodo, NO2, NEfc, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyls, -N(acyl)2; R7 is hydrogen, OR3, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(loweralkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; and X is O, S, SO2 or CH2· hi a first preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula X, XI or XU, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrag thereof is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or phosphate; R6 is alkyl; and X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a second preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula X, XI or XU, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogens; R6 is alkyl; and X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a third preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula X, XI or ΧΠ, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrag thereof is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R,R andR are independently H or phosphate; R6 is alkyl; and XisO.

In even more preferred sub embodiments, a compound of Formula XI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided:

(XI) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; optionally substituted with an amine or cyclopropyl (e.g., 2-amino, 2,6-diamino or cyclopropyl guanosine); and R1 and R2 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or aiylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in die definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino add; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 or R2 is independently H or phosphate.

In a ninth principal embodiment a compound selected from Formula ΧΠΙ, XIV or XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided:

(ΧΙΠ) (XIV) (XV) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a pqjtide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1, R2 or R3 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)Oflower alkyl), -0(acyl), -O(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, N02, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -Nfacyl^; and X is 0, S, SCfe or CH2.

In a first preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula ΧΙΠ, XIV or XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or phosphate; R6 is alkyl; and X is 0, S, S02 or CH2. hi a second preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XTTT, XIV or XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogens; R6 is alkyl; and X is 0, S, SCh or CH2.

In a third preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula ΧΙΠ, XIV or XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein;

Rl, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or phosphate; R6 is alkyl; and XisO.

In a tenth principal embodiment the invention provides a compound of Formula XVI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof

(XVQ wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1 and R2 are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 and R2 are independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyL, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(allcenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2) -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)* -N(acyl)2; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyi, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -Oflower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, Ntfe, -NHGower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, R7 and R10, R8 and R9, or R8 and R10 can come together to foim a pi bond; and X is O, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a first preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesnlfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyi, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or 0¾.

In a second preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(lowera]kyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is O, S, SO2 or (%·

In a third preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylaDcyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein file phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R® and R10 are H; and (6) X is O, S, S02 or 0¾.

In a fourth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently Ή or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl, given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(IoweraIkyi)anmo; (5) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is O.

In a fifth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or piodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyi sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino add; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR1; (5) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is O, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a sixth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyi sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino add; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R8 and R10 are H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2, or 0¾.

In a seventh preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyi sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is O.

In a eighth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in die definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(lowera]kyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a ninth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted wife one or more substituents as described in fee definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, hromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(lowera!kyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is 0.

In a tenth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lows: alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an ammo add; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is enable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vmyl, hydroxy, Ο-alkyb O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NOz, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)anmio; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NOz, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweraIkyl)anjmo; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0.

In an eleventh preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, N02, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0, S, SQj or 0¾.

In a twelfth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently Ή or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2, or CH2.

In a thirteenth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (S) R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is 0.

In a fourteenth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (S) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is O.

In even more preferred sub embodiments, a compound of Formula XVI, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is guanine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is cytosine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is thymine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is uracil; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is phosphate; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is ethyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is propyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is butyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (l) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 is hydrogen and R9 is hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogai; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is S; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is SO2; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 and R10 are hydrogen; and (6) X is 0¾

In a eleventh principal embodiment die invention provides a compound of Formula XVII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrag thereof:

(XVII) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1 is H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an aznino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)O(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl)2, -N(acyl)2; R10 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, or R7 and R10 can come together to form a pi bond; and X is O, S, SO2 or (¾.

In a first preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVn, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in die definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, N02, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)-amino; (5) R10 is H; and (6) X is O, S, SO2, or 0¾.

In a second preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in fire definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a pqitide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)ammo; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R10 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or 0¾.

In a third preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVH, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyi including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with, one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, KO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweraIkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)-aniino; (5) R10 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is 0.

In a fourth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVH, or its pharmaceutically accqrtable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyi including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkjd)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R10 is H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or (¾.

In a fifth preferred sub embodiment, a compound of Formula XVTL, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyi including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein die phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in die definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fhiozo, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R10 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is 0.

In a sixth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in file definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fhioro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)ammo; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R10 is H; and (6) X is O.

In a seventh preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R10 is H; and (6) X is O.

In an eighth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(lowera]kyl)-ainino; (5) R10 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is O, S, SO2, or CH2·

In a ninth preferred subembodimeni, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R10 is H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2, or (¾.

In a tenth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R10 is H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2, or CH2.

In even more preferred subembodiments, a compound of Formula XVII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is guanine; (2) Rl is hydrogen; (3) Rfi is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is cytosine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is thymine; (2) Rl is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is uracil; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and Ry are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is phosphate; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is ethyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) Rl is hydrogen; (3) R6 is propyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is butyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is S; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is SO2; or (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R10 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0¾.

In an twelfth principal embodiment the invention provides a compound of Formula XVm, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof:

(xvm) wherein:

Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -O(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, lower alkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, or R8 and R9 can come together to form a pi bond; X is O, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a first preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVm, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweraBcylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2·

In a second preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVm, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) Rl is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate ptodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloio, bromo, fluoto, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di-(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2·

In a third preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVID, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(lower-alkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R8 is H; and (6) X is O, S, SO2 or CH2.

In a fourth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVIH, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, fnnlnding a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R5 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (5) R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is O.

In a fifth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVLfl, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein tile phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, Ο-alkyl, O-alkenyl chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 is H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2, or 0¾.

In a sixth prefared subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVm, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate pro drug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyI)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and (6) X is O.

In a seventh preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVIH, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or aryl alkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(lowera!kyi)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, O-alkenyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino, or di(loweralkyI)amino; (5) R8 is H; and (6) X is 0.

In an eighth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVIII, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl (including lower alkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, hydroxy, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, NO2, amino, loweralkylamino or di(loweralkyl)amino; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 is H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2 or ¢2¾.

In a ninth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVm, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 is H; and (6) X is 0, S, SO2, or 0¾.

In a tenth preferred subembodiment, a compound of Formula XVm, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; (2) R1 is independently H or phosphate; (3) R6 is alkyl; (4) R7 and R9 are independently OR2; (5) R8 is H; and (6) X is O. in even more preferred subembodiments, a compound of Formula XVTH, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, is provided in which: (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 andR9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is guanine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is cytosine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is thymine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is uracil; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is phosphate; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is ethyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is 0; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is propyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogem and (6) X is O; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is butyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is O; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is S; (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is SO2; or (1) Base is adenine; (2) R1 is hydrogen; (3) R6 is methyl; (4) R7 and R9 are hydroxyl; (5) R8 is hydrogen; and (6) X is CH2.

The β-Ό- and /S-L-nucleosides of this invention may inhibit HCV polymerase activity. Nucleosides can be screened for their ability to inhibit HCV polymerase activity in vitro according to screening methods set forth more particularly herein. One can readily determine the spectrum of activity by evaluating the compound in the assays described herein or with another confirmatory assay.

In one embodiment the efficacy of the anti-HCV compound is measured according to the concentration of compound necessary to reduce the plaque number of the virus in vitro, according to methods set forth more particularly herein, by 50% (i.e. the compound’s EC50). In preferred embodiments the compound exhibits an EC50 of less than 15 or 10 micromolar, when measured according to die polymerase assay described in Ferrari et al., Jnl. ofVir., 73:1649-1654, 1999; Ishii et aL, Hepatology, 29:1227-1235,1999; Lohmann et al., Jnl. of Bio. Chem., 274:10807-10815, 1999; or Yamashita et al, Jnl. of Bio. Chem., 273:15479-15486,1998.

The active compound can be administered as any salt or prodrug that upon administration to the recipient is capable of providing directly or indirectly die parent compound, or that exhibits activity itself Nonlimiting examples are the pharmaceutically acceptable salts (alternatively referred to as “physiologically acceptable salts”), and a compound that has been alkylated Or acylated at the 5’-position or on the purine or pyrimidine base (a type of “pharmaceutically acceptable prodnig”). Further, the modifications can affect the biological activity of the compound, in some cases inareasing the activity over the parent compound. This can easily be assessed by preparing the salt or prodrug and testing its antiviral activity according to the methods described herein, or other methods known to those skilled in the ail IT- DefinWnns

The term alkyl, as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers to a saturated straight, branched, or cyclic, primary, secondary, or tertiary hydrocarbon of typically Ci to C10, and specifically includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, cyclopiopyl, butyl, isobutyl, r-butyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmefeyl, 3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethyIbutyL, and 2,3 -dimefeylbutyl. The tenn includes both substituted and unsubstituied alkyl groups. Moieties with which die alkyl group can be substituted are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, sulfate, phosphonic acid, phosphate, or phosphonate, either unprotected, or protected as necessary, as known to those skilled in the art, for example, as taught in Greene, et aJ., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, hereby incorporated by reference.

The term lower alkyl, as used herein, and unless otherwise specified, refers to a Ci to C4 saturated straight, branched, or if appropriate, a cyclic (for example, cyclopropyl) alkyl group, including both substituted and unsubstituted forms. Unless otherwise specifically stated in this application, when alkyl is a suitable moiety, lower alkyl is preferred. Similarly, when alkyl or lower alkyl is a suitable moiety, unsubstituted alkyl or lower alkyl is preferred.

The term alkylamino or arylamino refers to an amino group that has one or two alkyl or aryl substituents, respectively.

The term “protected” as used herein and unless otherwise defined refers to a group that is added to an oxygen, nitrogen, or phosphorus atom to prevent its further reaction or for other purposes. A wide variety of oxygen and nitrogen protecting groups are known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis.

The term aryl, as used herein, and unless otherwise specified, refers to phenyl, biphenyl, or naphthyl, and preferably phenyl. The term includes both substituted and unsubstituted moieties. The aryl group can be substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, sulfate, phosphonic acid, phosphate, or phosphonate, either unprotected, or protected as necessary, as known to those skilled in fee art, for example, as taught in Greene, et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

The term alkaryi or alkylaryl refers to an alkyl group with an aryl substituent The term aralkyl or arylalkyl refers to an aryl group wife an alkyl substituent.

The term halo, as used herein, includes chloro, bromo, iodo, and fluoro.

The term purine or pyrimidine base includes, but is not limited to, adenine, N6-alkylpurines, N^-acylpurines (wherein acyl is C(0)(alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or arylalkyl), N6-benzylpurine, N^-halopurine, N^-vinylpurine, N*-acetylenic purine, lS^-acyl purine, b^-hydroxyalkyl purine, N^thioalkyl purine, N2-aIkylpurines, N2-aIkyl-6-thiopurines, thymine, cytosine, 5-fluorocytosme, 5-methylcytosine, 6-azapyriniidine, including 6-azacytosine, 2- and/or 4-mercaptopynnidine, uracil, 5-halouracil, including 5-fhiorouracil, C^-alkyipyrimidines, C5-benzylpyrimidines) C^-halopyrimidines, (^-vinylpyrimidine, C5-acetylenic pyrimidine, C5-acyI pyrimidine, C^-hydroxyalkyl purine, C^-amidqpyrimidine, C^-cyanopyrimidine, C^-nitropyrimidine, Cs-ammopyrimidine, N2-alkylpurmes, N2-alkyl-6-thiopurines, 5-azacytidinyl, S-azauracilyl, triazolopyridinyl, imidazolopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, and pyrazolopyrimidinyl. Purine bases include, but are not limited to, guanine, adenine, hypoxanthine, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 6-chloropurine. Functional oxygen and nitrogen groups on the base can be protected as necessary or desired. Suitable protecting groups are well known to those skilled in the art, and include trimethylsilyl, dimethylhexylsilyl, r-butyldimethylsilyl, and /-butyldiphenylsilyl, trityl, alkyl groups, and acyl groups such as acetyl andpropionyl, metbanesulfonyl, andp-toluenesulfonyl.

The term acyl refers to a carboxylic arid ester in which the non-carbonyl moiety of the ester group is selected from straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl or lower alkyl, alkoxyalkyl including methoxymethyl, aralkyl including benzyl, aryloxyalkyl such as phenoxymethyl, aryl including phenyl optionally substituted with chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, Ci to C4 alkyl or Ci to C4 alkoxy, sulfonate esters such as alkyl or aralkyl sulphonyl including metbanesulfonyl, the mono, di or triphosphate ester, trityl or monomethoxytrityl, substituted benzyl, trialkylsilyl (e.g. dimethyi-t-butylsilyl) or diphenyhnethylsilyl. Aryl groups in the esters optimally comprise a phenyl group. The term “lower acyl” refers to an acyl group in which the non-carbonyl moiety is a lower alkyl.

As used herein, the term “substantially free of’ or “substantially in the absence of’ refers to a nucleoside composition that includes at least 85 or 90% by weight» preferably 95% to 98 % by weight, and even more preferably 99% to 100% by weight, of the designated enantiomer of that nucleoside. In a preferred embodiment, in the methods and compounds of this invention, tide compounds are substantially free of enantiomers.

Similarly, the term “isolated” refers to a nucleoside composition that includes at least 85 or 90% by weight, preferably 95% to 98 % by weight, and even more preferably 99% to 100% by weight, of die nucleoside, the remainder comprising other chemical species or enantiomers.

The term “independently” is used herein to indicate that the variable which is independently applied varies independently from application to application. Thus, in a compound such as R”XYR”, wherein R” is “independently carbon or nitrogen,” both R” can be carbon, both R” can be nitrogen, or one R” can be caibon and die other R” nitrogen.

The term host, as used herein, refers to an unicellular or multicellular organism in which the virus can replicate, including cell lines and animals, and preferably a human. Alternatively, the host can be carrying a part of the hepatitis C viral genome, whose replication or function can be altered by the compounds of the present invention. The term host specifically refers to infected cells, cells transfected with all or part of the HCV genome and animals, in particular, primates (including chimpanzees) and humans. In most animal applications of die present invention, the host is a human patient. Veterinary applications, in certain indications, however, are clearly anticipated by the present invention (such as chimpanzees).

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug” is used throughout the specification to describe any pharmaceutically acceptable form (such as an ester, phosphate ester, salt of an ester or a related group) of a nucleoside compound which, upon administration to a patient, provides the nucleoside compound. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic bases and acids. Suitable salts include those derived from alkali metals such as potassium and sodium, alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, among numerous other adds well known in the pharmaceutical art Pharmaceutically acceptable pro drugs refer to a compound that is metabolized, for example hydrolyzed or oxidized, in the host to form the compound of the present invention. Typical examples of prodrugs include compounds that have biologically labile protecting groups on a functional moiety of the active compound. Prodrugs include compounds that can be oxidized, reduced, aminated, deaminated, hydroxylated, dehydroxylated, hydrolyzed, dehydrolyzed, alkylated, dealkylated, acylated, deacylated, phosphorylated, dephosphorylated to produce the active compound. The compounds of this invention possess antiviral activity against HCV, or are metabolized to a compound that exhibits such activity. TTT. Nucleotide Salt or Prodrug Formulations

In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stable nontoxic ► acid or base salts, administration of the compound as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be appropriate. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are organic arid addition salts formed with acids, which form a physiological acceptable anion, for example, tosylate, methanesulfonate, acetate, citrate, malonate, tartarate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, o-ketoglutarate, and (^glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts may also be formed, including, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate, and carbonate salts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example by reacting a sufficiently basic compound such as an amine with a suitable arid affording a physiologically acceptable anion. Alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (for example calcium) salts of carboxylic acids can also be made.

Any of the nucleosides described herein can be administered as a nucleotide prodrug to increase the activity, bioavailability, stability or otherwise alter the properties of the nucleoside. A number of nucleotide prodrug ligands are known. In general, alkylation, acylation or other lipophilic modification of the mono, di or triphosphate of die nucleoside will increase the stability of the nucleotide. Examples of substituent groups that can replace one or more hydrogens on the phosphate moiety are alkyl, aryl, steroids, carbohydrates, including sugars, 1,2-diacylglycerol and alcohols. Many are described in R. Jones and N. Bischofberger, Antiviral Research, 27 (1995) 1-17. Any of these can be used in combination with the disclosed nucleosides to achieve a desired effect.

The active nucleoside can also be provided as a 5’-phoq)hoether lipid or a 5’-ether lipid, as disclosed in the following references, which are incorporated by reference herein: Kucera, L.S., N. Iyer, E. Leake, A. Raben, Modest E.K., D.L.W., and C. Piantadosi. 1990. “Novel membrane-interactive ether lipid analogs that inhibit infectious HIV-1 production and induce defective virus formation.” AIDS Res. Hum. Retro Viruses. 6:491-501; Piantadosi, C., J. Marasco C.J., S.L. Morris-Natschke, K.L. Meyer, F. Gumus, J.R. Surles, K.S. Ishaq, L.S. Kucera, N. Iyer, C.A Wallen, S. Piantadosi, and £J. Modest 1991. “Synthesis and evaluation of novel ether lipid nucleoside conjugates for anti-HIV activity.” J. Med. Chem. 34:1408.1414; Hosteller, ELY., DO. Richman, D.A Carson, L.M. Stuhmiller, G.M. T. van Wijk, and H. van den Bosch. 1992. “Greatly enhanced inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in CEM and HT4-6C cells by 3’-deoxythymidine diphosphate dimyristoylglycerol, a lipid pro drug of 3,-deoxythymidine.” Antimicrob. Agents Ckemother. 36:2025.2029; Hoseder, K.Y., L.M. Stuhmiller, H.B. Lenting, H. van den Bosch, and D J). Richman, 1990. “Synthesis and antiretroviral activity of phospholipid analogs of azidothymidine and other antiviral nucleosides.” J. Biol. Chem. 265:61127.

Nonlimiting examples of U.S. patents that disclose suitable lipophilic substituents that can be covalently incorporated into the nucleoside, preferably at the 5’-OH position of the nucleoside or lipophilic preparations, include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,149,794 (Sep. 22, 1992, Yatvin et al.); 5,194,654 (Mar. 16, 1993, Hostetler et aL, 5,223,263 (June 29,1993, Hostetler et aL); 5,256,641 (Oct 26,1993, Yatvin et al.); 5,411,947 (May 2,1995, Hostetler et al.)·, 5,463,092 (Oct 31, 1995, Hostetler et al.); 5,543,389 (Aug. 6, 1996, Yatvin et al.); 5,543,390 (Aug. 6, 1996, Yatvin et aL); 5,543,391 (Aug. 6, 1996, Yatvin et al); and 5,554,728 (Sep. 10, 1996; Basava et al.), all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Foreign patent applications that disclose lipophilic substituents that can be attached to the nucleosides of the present invention, or lipophilic preparations, include WO 89/02733, W0 90/00555, W0 91/16920, WO 91/18914, W0 93/00910, W0 94/26273, W0 96/15132, EP 0 350 287, EP 93917054.4, and W0 91/19721. IV. Combination and Alternation Therapy

It has been recognized that drag-resistant variants of HCV can emerge after prolonged treatment with an antiviral agent. Drug resistance most typically occurs by mutation of a gene that encodes for an enzyme used in viral replication. The efficacy of a drug against HCV infection can be prolonged, augmented, or restored by administering the compound, in combination or alternation with a second, and perhaps third, antiviral compound that induces a different mutation from that caused by the principle drug. Alternatively, the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution or other parameter of the drug can be altered by such combination or alternation therapy. In general, combination therapy is typically preferred over alternation therapy because it induces multiple simultaneous stresses on die virus.

Nonlimiting examples of antiviral agents that can be used in combination with the compounds disclosed herein include: (1) an interferon and/or ribavirin (Battaglia, AJV1. et al., Aim. Pbarmamther 34:487-494,2000); Berenguer, M. et al. Antivir. Ther. 3(Suppl. 3):125-136,1998); (2) Substrate-based NS3 protease inhibitors (Attwood et al., Antiviral peptide derivatives, PCT WO 98/22496, 1998; Attwood et al., Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 10.259-273, 1999; Attwood et al., Preparation and use of amino acid derivatives as anti-viral agents, German Patent Publication DE 19914474; Tung et al. Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly hepatitis C virus NS3 protease, PCT WO 98/17679), including alphaketoamides and hydrazinoureas, and inhibitors that terminate in an electrophile such as a boronic acid or phosphonate. Llinas-Brunet et al, Hepatitis C inhibitor peptide analogues, PCT WO 99/07734. (3) Non-substrate-based inhibitors such as 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-nitro-benzamide derivatives(Sudo K. et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 238:643-647, 1997; Sudo K. et al. Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 9:186, 1998), including RD3-4082 and RD3-4078, the former substituted on the amide with a 14 carbon chain and the latter processing apara-phenoxyphenyl group; (4) Thiazolidine derivatives which show relevant inhibition in a reverse-phase HPLC assay with an NS3/4A fusion protein and NS5A/5B substrate (Sudo K. et al., Antiviral Research 32:9-18, 1996), especially compound RD-1-6250, possessing a fused cirmamoyl moiety substituted with a long alkyl chain, RD4 6205 and RD4 6193; (5) Thiazolidines and benzanilides identified in Kakiuchi N. et al. J EBS Letters 421:217-220; Takeshita N. et al. Analytical Biochemistry 247:242-246, 1997; (6) A phenan-threnequinone possessing activity against HCV protease in a SDS-PAGE and autoradiography assay isolated from the fermentation culture broth of Streptomyces sp., Sch 68631 (ChuM. et al., Tetrahedron Letters 37:7229-7232, 1996), and Sch 351633, isolated from the fungus Penicillium griscojuluum, which demonstrates activity in a scintillation proximity assay (Chu M. et al., Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 9:1949-1952); (7) Selective NS3 inhibitors based on the macromolecule elgin c, isolated from leech (QasimMA. etal., Biochemistry 36:1598-1607, 1997); (8) HCV helicase inhibitors (Diana G.D. et al., Compounds, compositions and methods for treatment of hepatitis C, U.S. Patent No. 5,633,358; Diana GJD. et aL, Piperidine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and their use in the treatment of hepatitis C, PCT WO 97/36554); (9) HCV polymerase inhibitors such as nucleotide analogues, gliotoxin (Ferrari R. et al. Journal of Virology 73:1649-1654, 1999), and the natural product cerulenin (Lohmann V. etal, Virology249:108-118,1998); (10) Antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODN) complementary to sequence stretches in the 5’ non-coding region (NCR) of die HCV (Alt M. et al, Hepatology 22:707-717, 1995), or nucleotides 326-348 comprising die 3’ end of the NCR and nucleotides 371-388 located in the core coding region of the HCV RNA (Alt M. et al, Archives of Virology 142:589-599,1997; GalderisiU. et al., Journal of Cellular Physiology 181:251-257, 1999); (11) Inhibitors of IRES-dependent translation (Ikeda N et aL, Agent for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C, Japanese Patent Publication JP-08268890; Kai Y. et al. Prevention and treatment of viral diseases, Japanese Patent Publication JP-10101591); (12) Nuclease-resistant ribozymes. (Maccjak DJ. et al., Hepatology 30 abstract 995, 1999); and (13) Other miscellaneous compounds including l-ammo-alkylcyclohexanes (U.S. Patent No. 6,034,134 to Gold et al.), alkyl lipids (U.S. Patent No. 5,922,757 to Chojkier et al), vitamin E and other antioxidants (U.S. Patent No. 5,922,757 to Chojkier et al), squalene, amantadine, bile acids (U.S. Patent No. 5,846,964 to Ozeki et al.), N-(phosphonoacetyl)-L-aspaitic acid, (U.S. Patent No. 5,830,905 to Diana et al), benzenedicarboxamides (U.S. Patent No. 5,633,388 to Diana et al), polyadenylic add derivatives (U.S. Patent No. 5,496,546 to Wang et al), 2',3'-dideoxyinosinc (U.S. Patent No. 5,026,687 to Yarchoan et al.), and benzimidazoles (U.S. Patent No. 5,891,874 to Coladno etal). V. Pharmacentical Compositions

Hosts, including humans, infected with HCV, or a gene fragment thereof can be treated by administering to the patient an effective amount of the active compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug or salt thereof in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent The active materials can be administered by any appropriate route, for example, orally, parenterally, intravenously, intradennally, subcutaneously, or topically, in liquid or solid form. A preferred dose of the compound for HCV will be in the range from about 1 to 50 mg/kg, preferably 1 to 20 mg/kg, of body weight per day, more generally 0.1 to about 100 mg per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day. The effective dosage range of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs can be calculated based on the weight of the parent nucleoside to be delivered. If die salt or prodrug exhibits activity in itself, the effective dosage can be estimated as above using the weight of die salt or prodrug, or by other means known to those skilled in the art.

The compound is conveniently administered in unit any suitable dosage form, including but not limited to one containing 7 to 3000 mg, preferably 70 to 1400 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form. A oral dosage of50-1000 mg is usually convenient

Ideally the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 0.2 to 70 μΜ, preferably about 1.0 to 10 μΜ. This may be achieved, for example, by die intravenous injection of a 0.1 to 5% solution of the active ingredient optionally in saline, or administered as a bolus of Ihe active ingredient.

The concentration of active compound in the drug composition will depend on absorption, inactivation and excretion rates of the drug as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art. It is to be noted that dosage values will also vary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions, and that die concentration ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed composition. The active ingredient may be administered at once, or may be divided into a number of smaller doses to be administered at varying intervals of time. A preferred mode of administration of die active compound is oral. Oral compositions will generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They may be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of die composition.

The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or com starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring. When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it can contain, in addition to material of the above type, a liquid carrier such as a fatty oil. In addition, dosage unit forms can contain various other materials which modify the physical form of the dosage unit, for example, coatings of sugar, shellac, or other enteric agents.

The compound can be administered as a component of an elixir, suspension, syrup, wafer, chewing gum or the like. A syrup may contain, in addition to the active compounds, sucrose as a sweetening agent and certain preservatives, dyes and colorings and flavors.

The compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug or salts thereof can also be mixed with other active materials that do not inpair the desired action, or with materials that supplement the desired action, such as antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, or other antivirals, including other nucleoside compounds. Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, subcutaneous, or topical application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for die adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The parental preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.

If administered intravenously, preferred carriers are physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

In a preferred embodiment, the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Corporation.

Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) are also preferred as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These may be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,811 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). For example, liposome formulations may be prepared by dissolving appropriate lipid(s) (such as stearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine, stearoyl phosphatidyl choline, arachadoyl phosphatidyl choline, and cholesterol) in an inorganic solvent that is then evaporated, leaving behind a thin film of dried lipid on the surface of the container. An aqueous solution of the active compound or its monophosphate, diphosphate, and/or triphosphate derivatives is then introduced into the container. The container is then swirled by hand to free lipid material from the sides of the container and to disperse lipid aggregates, thereby forming the liposomal suspension. VI. Processes for the Preparation of Active Compounds

The nucleosides of the present invention can be synthesized by any means known in the ait In particular, the synthesis of the present nucleosides can be achieved by either alkylating Ihe appropriately modified sugar, followed by glycosylation or glycosyiation followed by alkylation of the nucleoside. The following non-limiting embodiments illustrate some general methodology to obtain the nucleosides of Ihe present invention. A. General Synthesis of 1 ’-C-Branched Nucleosides 1 ’-C-Branched ribonucleotides of the following structure:

wherein BASE is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkjd), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -O(lower acyl), -0(alkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -O(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R8 and R10 are independently H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, R7 and R10, R8 and R9, orR8 and R10 can come together to form a pi bond; R1 and R2 are independently Ή; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or aiylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 or R2 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is an alkyl, chloro-, bromo-, fluoro-, or iodo-alkyl (Le. CF3), alkenyl, or alkynyl (i.e. allyl); and X is 0, S, SO2 or CH2 can be prepared by one of the following general methods. 1) Modification from the lactone

The key starting material for this process is an appropriately substituted lactone. The lactone can be purchased or can be prepared by any known means including standard epimerization, substitution and cyclization techniques. The lactone can be optionally protected with a suitable protecting group, preferably with an acyl or silyl group, by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991. The protected lactone can then be coupled with a suitable coupling agent, such as an organometallic carbon nucleophile, such as a Grignard reagent, an organolithium, lithium dialkylcopper or R6-SiMes in TBAF with die appropriate non-protic solvent at a suitable temperature, to give die 1 ’-alkylated sugar.

The optionally activated sugar can then be coupled to the BASE by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Townsend Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleotides. Plenum Press, 1994. For example, an acylated sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with a lewis acid, such as tin tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride or trimethylsilyltriflaie in the appropriate solvent at a suitable temperature.

Subsequently, the nucleoside can be deprotected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in fh-Panic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991. hi a particular embodiment, the 1 ’-C-branched ribonucleoside is desired. The synthesis of a ribonucleoside is shown in Scheme 1. Alternatively, deoxyribo-nucleoside is desired. To obtain these nucleosides, die formed ribonucleoside can optionally be protected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, and then die 2’-OH can be reduced with a suitable reducing agent. Optionally, the 2’-hydroxyl can be activated to facilitate reduction; i.e. via the Barton reduction.

Scheme 1

2. Alternative method for the preparation of 1 ‘-C-branched nucleosides

The key starting material for this process is an appropriately substituted hexose. The hexose can be purchased or can be prepared by any known means including standard epimerization, such as alkaline treatment, substitution and coupling techniques. The hexose can be selectively protected to give the appropriate hexa-fiiranose, as taught by Townsend Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleotides. Plenum Press, 1994.

The Γ-hydroxyl can be optionally activated to a suitable leaving group such as an acyl group or a chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo via acylation or halogenaiion, respectively. The optionally activated sugar can then be coupled to the BASE by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Townsend Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleotides. Plenum Press, 1994. For example, an acylated sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with a lewis add, such as tin tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride or trimethylsilyltriflate in the appropriate solvent at a suitable temperature. Alternatively, a halo-sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with the presence of trimethylsilyltriflate.

The 1 ’-CH2-0H, if protected, can be selectively deprotected by methods well known in the art The resultant primary hydroxyl can be functionalized to yield various C-branched nucleosides. For example, the primary hydroxyl can be reduced to give the methyl, using a suitable reducing agent Alternatively, the hydroxyl can be activated prior to reduction to facilitate the reaction,' i.e. via the Barton reduction. In an alternate embodiment, the primary hydroxyl can be oxidized to the aldehyde, then coupled with a carbon nucleophile, such as a Grignard reagent, an organolithium, lithium dialkylcopper or R6-SiMe3 in TBAF with the appropriate non-protic solvent at a suitable temperature.

In a particular embodiment, the Γ-C-branched ribonucleoside is desired. The synthesis of a ribonucleoside is shown in Scheme 2. Alternatively, deoxyribo-nucleoside is desired. To obtain these nucleosides, the formed ribonucleoside can optionally be protected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et at Protective Groups in Ommic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, and then the T-OH can be reduced with a suitable reducing agent Optionally, the 2’-hydroxyl can be activated to facilitate reduction; i.e. via the Barton reduction.

Scheme 2

In addition, the L-enantiomers corresponding to the compounds of the invention can be prepared billowing the same general methods (1 or 2), beginning with the corresponding L-sugar or nucleoside L-enantiomer as starting material. R- General Synthesis of2’-C-Branched Nucleosides 2’-C-Branched ribonucleosides of the following structure:

wherein BASE is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -O(acyl), -0(lower acyl), -O(alkyl), -O(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R10 is H, alkyl (including Iowa: alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 and R9, or R7 and R10 can come together to form a pi bond; R1 and Rz are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 or R2 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is an alkyl, chloro-, bromo-, fluoro-, iodo-alkyl (i.e. CF3), alkenyl, or alkynyl (i.e. allyl); and X is O, S, SO2 or CH2 can be prepared by one of the following general methods. 1. Glycosylation of the nucleobase with an appropriately modified sugar

The key starting material for this process is an appropriately substituted sugar with a 2’-0H and 2’-H, with the appropriate leaving group (LG), for example an acyl group or a chloro, bromo, fluoro or iodo. The sugar can be purchased or can be prepared by any known means including standard epimerization, substitution, oxidation and reduction techniques. The substituted sugar can then be oxidized with die appropriate oxidizing agent in a compatible solvent at a suitable temperature to yield the 2’-modified sugar. Possible oxidizing agents are Jones reagent (a mixture of chromic add and sulfuric add), Collins’s reagent (dipyridine Cr(VI) oxide, Corey’s reagent (pyridinium chlorochramate), pyridinium (hchromate, add dichromate, potassium permanganate, MnCb, ruthenium tetroxide, phase transfer catalysts such as chromic add or permanganate supported on a polymer, Clr pyridine, HaOi-ammoniran molybdate, NaBrOrCAN, NaOCl in HOAc, copper chromite, copper oxide, Raney nickel, palladium acetate, Meerwin-Pondorf-Verley reagent (aluminum f-butoxide with another ketone) and A^-bromosuccinimide.

Then coupling of an organometaUic carbon nucleophile, such as a Grignard reagent, an organolithium, lithium dialkylcopper or R6-SiMe3 in TBAF with die ketone with the appropriate non-protic solvent at a suitable temperature, yields the 2’-alkylated sugar. The alkylated sugar can be optionally protected with a suitable protecting group, preferably with an acyl or silyl group, by metbods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al Protective Groups m Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

The optionally protected sugar can then be coupled to the BASE by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Townsend Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleotides. Plenum Press, 1994. For example, an acylated sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with a lewis acid, such as tin tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride or trimelhylsilyltriflate in the appropriate solvent at a suitable temperature. Alternatively, a halo-sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with die presence of trimethylsilyltriflate.

Subsequently, the nucleoside can be deprotected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

In a particular embodiment, the 2’-C-branched ribonucleoside is desired. The synthesis of a ribonucleoside is shown in Scheme 3. Alternatively, deoxyribo-nudeoside is desired To obtain these nucleosides, the formed ribonucleoside can optionally be protected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, and then the V- OH can be reduced with a suitable reducing agent Optionally, the 2’-hydroxyi can be activated to facilitate redaction; i.e. via the Barton redaction.

Scheme 3

2. Modification of a preformed nucleoside

The key starting material for this process is an appropriately substituted nucleoside with a 2’-OH and 2’-H. The nucleoside can be purchased or can be prepared by any known means including standard coupling techniques. The nucleoside can be optionally protected with suitable protecting groups, preferably with acyl or silyl groups, by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et ad. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

The appropriately protected nucleoside can then be oxidized with the appropriate oxidizing agent in a compatible solvent at a suitable temperature to yield the 2’-modified sugar. Possible oxidizing agents are Jones Teagent (a mixture of chromic acid and sulfuric acid), Collins’s reagent (dipyridine Cr(VI) oxide, Corey’s reagent (pyridinium chlorochromate), pyridinium dichromate, acid dichromate, potassium permanganate, MnQ, ruthenium tetroxide, phase transfer catalysts such as chromic acid or permanganate supported on a polymer, Clr-pyridine, BfeCh-ammonium molybdate, NaBi02-CAN, NaOCl in HOAc, copper chromite, copper oxide, Raney nickel, palladium acetate, Meerwin-Pondorf-Verley reagent (aluminum ί-butoxide with another ketone) and N-bromosuccinimide.

Subsequently, the nucleoside can be deprotected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by GreeneGreene et al. Protective Groups in Drpanic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

In a particular embodiment, the 2’-C-branched ribonucleoside is desired. The synthesis of a ribonucleoside is shown in Scheme 4. Alternatively, deoxyribo-nucleoside is desired. To obtain these nucleosides, die formed ribonucleoside can optionally be protected by methods well known to those skilled in die art, as taught by Greene et aL Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, and then the 2’-OH can be reduced with a suitable reducing agent Optionally, the 2’-hydroxyl can be activated to facilitate reduction; i.e. via the Barton reduction.

Scheme 4

In another embodiment of the invention, the L-enantiomers are desired Therefore, the l-enantiomers can be corresponding to die compounds of the invention can be prepared following the same foregoing general methods, beginning with the corresponding L-sugar or nucleoside L-enantiomer as starting material. C. General Synthesis of 3 ’-C-Branched Nucleosides 3’-C-Branched ribonucleosides of the following structure:

wherein BASE is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein; R7 and R9 are independently hydrogen, OR2, hydroxy, alkyl (including lower alkyl), azido, cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, Br-vinyl, -C(0)0(alkyl), -C(0)0(lower alkyl), -0(acyl), -O(lower acyl), -CKalkyl), -0(lower alkyl), -0(alkenyl), chlorine, bromine, iodine, NO2, NH2, -NH(lower alkyl), -NH(acyl), -N(lower alkyl^, -N(acyl)2; R8 is H, alkyl (including lower alkyl), chlorine, bromine or iodine; alternatively, R7 andR9,orR8 andR9 can come together to form a pi bond; R1 and Rz are independently H; phosphate (including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug); acyl (including lower acyl); alkyl (including lower alkyl); sulfonate ester including alkyl or arylalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl and benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given herein; a lipid, including a phospholipid; an amino acid; a carbohydrate; a peptide; a cholesterol; or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo is capable of providing a compound wherein R1 or R2 is independently H or phosphate; R6 is an alkyl, chloro-, fluoio-, bromo-, iodo-alkyl (i.e. CF3), alkenyl, or alkynyl (i.e. allyl); and

XisO, S, SC^orCKb can be prepared by one of the following general methods. 1. Gfycosylation of die nucleobase with an appropriately modified sugar

The key starting material for this process is an appropriately substituted sugar with a 3 ’-OH and 3 ’-H, with die appropriate leaving group (LG), for example an acyl group or a chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo. The sugar can be purchased or can be prepared by any known means including standard epimerization, substitution, oxidation and reduction techniques. The substituted sugar can then be oxidized with the appropriate oxidizing agent in a compatible solvent at a suitable temperature to yield the 3’-modified sugar. Possible oxidizing agents are Jones reagent (a mixture of chromic acid and sulfuric acid), Collins’s reagent (dipyridine Cr(VI) oxide, Corey’s reagent (pyridinium chlorochromate), pyridinium dichromate, acid dichromate, potassium permanganate, Mn02, ruthenium tetroxide, phase transfer catalysts such as chromic acid or permanganate supported on a polymer, CI2-pyridine, HjOrammonium molybdate, NaBr02-CAN, NaOQ in HOAc, copper chromite, copper oxide, Raney nickel, palladium acetate, Meerwin-Fondorf-Verley reagent (aluminum i-butoxide with another ketone) and AT-bromosuccminiide.

Then coupling of an organometallic carbon nucleophile, such as a Grignard reagent, an organolithium, lithium dialkylcopper or R6-SiMe3 in TBAF with the ketone with the appropriate non-protic solvent at a suitable temperature, yields the 3’-C-branched sugar. The 3’-C-branched sugar can be optionally protected with a suitable protecting group, preferably with an acyl or silyl group, by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

The optionally protected sugar can then be coupled to the BASE by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Townsend Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleotides. Plenum Press, 1994. For example, an acylated sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with a lewis acid, such as tin tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride or trimethylsilyltriflate in the appropriate solvent at a suitable temperature. Alternatively, a halo-sugar can be coupled to a silylated base with the presence of trimethylsilyltriflate.

Subsequently, the nucleoside can he deprotected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups m Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991. hi a particular embodiment, the 3’-C-branched ribonucleoside is desired. The synthesis of a ribonucleoside is shown in Scheme 5. Alternatively, deoxyribo-nucleoside is desired. To obtain these nucleosides, the formed ribonucleoside can optionally be protected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, and then the 2’-OH can be reduced with a suitable reducing agent Optionally, the 2’-hydroxyl can be activated to facilitate reduction; i.e. via the Barton reduction.

Scheme S

2. Modification of a pre-formed nucleoside

The key starting material for this process is an appropriately substituted nucleoside with a 3’-OH and 3’-H. The nucleoside can be purchased or can be prepared by any known means including standard coupling techniques. The nucleoside can be optionally protected with suitable protecting groups, preferably with acyl or silyl groups, by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

The appropriately protected nucleoside can then be oxidized with the appropriate oxidizing agent in a compatible solvent at a suitable temperature to yield the 2’-modified sugar. Possible oxidizing agents are Jones reagent (a mixture of chromic acid and sulfuric acid), Collins’s reagent (dipyridine Cr(VI) oxide, Corey’s reagent (pyridinium chlorochromate), pyridinium dichromate, acid dichromate, potassium permanganate, Mn02, ruthenium tetroxide, phase transfer catalysts such as chromic acid or permanganate supported on a polymer, Cl2-pyridme, H2O2-ammonium molybdate, NaBrOrCAN, NaOQ in HOAc, copper chromite, copper oxide, Raney nickel, palladium acetate, Meerwin-Pondorf-Verley reagent (ahtminum i-butoxide with another ketone) and W-bromosuccmimide.

Subsequently, the nucleoside can be deprotected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by GreeneGreene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

In a particular embodiment, die 3 ’-C-branched ribonucleoside is desired. The synthesis of a ribonucleoside is shown in Scheme 6. Alternatively, deoxyribo-nucleoside is desired. To obtain these nucleosides, the formed ribonucleoside can optionally be protected by methods well known to those skilled in the art, as taught by Greene et al. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, and then the 2’-OH can be reduced with a suitable reducing agent. Optionally, the 2’-hydroxyl can be activated to facilitate reduction; i.e. via the Barton reduction.

Scheme 6

Γη another embodiment of the invention, the L-enantiomers are desired. Therefore, the L-enantiomers can be corresponding to the compounds of the invention can be prepared following foe same foregoing general methods, beginning with foe corresponding L-sugar or nucleoside L-enantiomer as starting material.

Examples F.Yamnle 1« Preparation of r-C-methvlriboadenme via 6-ammn-9-fl-deoxy-B-D-psicofhranosvDpnrme

As another alternative method of preparation, foe title compound could also be prepared according to a published procedure (J. Faxkas, and F. Soxm, “Nucleic acid components and their analogues. XCIV. Synthesis of 6-amino-9-(l-deoxy-P-D-psicofuranosyljpurine”, Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 1967,32,2663-2667. J. Farkas”, Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 1966,31,1535) (Scheme 7).

Scheme 7

In a similar maimer, but using foe appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases, foe following nucleosides of Formula I are prepared.

(I) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula IV are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(IV) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula VII are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(VII) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula vm are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(vm) wherein

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula IX are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(IX) wherein:

Alternatively, tbe following nucleosides of Formula XVI are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(XVI) wherein:

Example 2: Preparation of 2’-C-methylriboadenine

The title compound was prepared according to a published procedure (R.E. Haxry-O’kuru, J.M. Smith, and M.S. Wolfe, “A short, flexible route toward 2’-C-branched ribonucleosides”, J.Org. Chem. 1997. 62.1754-1759) (Scheme 8).

Scheme 8

(a) Dess-Martin periodinane; (b) MeMgBr / TiQUi (c) BzQ, DMAP, Et3N; (d) bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide, N^-benzoyl adenine, TMSOTf; (e) NH3 /MeOH Ια a similar manner, but using die appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases, the following nucleosides of Formula Π are prepared.

(Π) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula V are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(V) wherein:

.

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula X are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(X) wherein:

Alternatively, Hie following nucleosides of Formula XT are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(XI) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula XU are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(XU) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula XVH are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(XVII) wherein;

Example 3: Preparation of3’-C-methylrlboadenme

The title compound can be prepared according to a published procedure (ILF. Nutt, MJ. Dickinson, F.W. Holly, and E. Walton, “Branched-chain sugar nucleosides. ΙΠ. 3’-C-methyladenine ",J.Org. Chem. 1968,33,1789-1795) (Scheme9).

Scheme 9

(a) Ru02 / NaI04; (b) MeMgl / TiCU; (c) HQ / MeOH / H20; (d) BzCl / pyridine; (e) AcBr, HBr/ AcOH; (f) ddoiumercuri-d-benzamdopurine; (g) NH3 / MeOH.

In a similar manner, but using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases, the following nucleosides of Formula ΠΙ are prepared.

m wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula VI are prepared, using die appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(VD wherein: ... - i 1_ Λ T T 1 1 ""‘Ή

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula ΧΙΠ are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(xm> wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula XIV are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

Rl°\ Base OR2 (XIV) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula XV are prepared, using die appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(XV) wherein:

Alternatively, the following nucleosides of Formula XVHI are prepared, using the appropriate sugar and pyrimidine or purine bases.

(XVEI) wherein:

VII. Anti-Hepatitis C Activity

Compounds can exhibit anti-hepatitis C activity by inhibiting HCV polymerase, by inhibiting other enzymes needed in the replication cycle, or by other pathways. A number of assays have been published to assess these activities. A general method that assesses the gross increase of HCV virus in culture is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,738,985 to Miles et al. In vitro assays have been reported in Ferrari et al., Jnl. of Vir., 73:1649-1654, 1999; Ishii et al., Hepatology, 29:1227-1235,1999; Lohmann et al., Jnl of Bio. Chan., 274:10807-10815,1999; and Yamashita et al, Jnl of Bio. Chan., 273:15479-15486,1998. WO 97/12033, filed on September 27, 1996, by Emory University, listing C. Hagedom and A Reinoldus as inventors, and which claims priority to U.S.S.N. 60/004,383, filed on September 1995, describes an HCV polymerase assay that can be used to evaluate the activity of the compounds described herein. Another HCV polymerase assay has been reported by Bartholomeusz, et al, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA polymerase assay using cloned HCV non-structural proteins; Antiviral Therapy 1996:l(Supp 4) 18-24.

Screens that measure reductions in kinase activity from HCV drugs are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,030,785, to Katze et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,010,848 to Delvecchio et al, and U.S. Patent No. 5,759,795 to Jubin et al. Screens that measure the protease inhibiting activity of proposed HCV drugs are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,861,267 to Su et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,739,002 to De Francesco et al, and U.S. Patent No. 5,597,691 to Houghton et al.

Example 4: Phosphorylation Assay of Nucleoside to Active Triphosphate

To determine the cellular metabolism of the compounds, HepG2 cells were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, MD), and were grown in 225 cm2 tissue culture flasks in minimal essential medium supplemented with non-essential amino acids, 1% penicillin-streptomycin. The medium was renewed every three days, and the cells were subcultured once a week. After detachment of die adherent monolayer with a 10 minute exposure to 30 mL of trypsin-EDTA and three consecutive washes with medium, confluent HepG2 cells were seeded at a density of 2.5 x 106 cells per well in a 6-well plate and exposed to 10 μΜ of [3H] labeled active compound (500 dpm/pmol) for the specified time periods. The cells were maintained at 37°C under a 5% CO2 atmosphere. At the selected time points, foe cells were washed three times with ice-cold phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Intracellular active compound and its respective metabolites were extracted by incubating die cell pellet overnight at -20°C with 60% methanol followed by extraction with an additional 20 pL of cold methanol for one hour in an ice bath. The extracts were then combined, dried under gentle filtered air flow and stored at -20°C until HPLC analysis. The preliminary results of the HPLC analysis are tabulated in Table 1.

Table 1

Example S: Bioavailabilitv Assay in Cvnomolgus Monkeys

Within 1 week prior to the study initiation, the cynomolgus monkey was surgically implanted with a chronic venous catheter and subcutaneous venous access port (VAP) to facilitate blood collection and underwent a physical examination including hematology and serum chemistry evaluations and the body weight was recorded. Each monkey (six total), received approximately 250 uCi of 3H activity with each dose of active compound, namely 3-D-2’-CH3-riboG at a dose level of 10 mg/kg at a dose concentration of 5 mg/mL, either via an intravenous bolus (3 monkeys, IV), or via oral gavage (3 monkeys, PO). Each dosing syringe was weighed before dosing to gravimetrically determine the quantity of formulation administered. Urine samples were collected via pan catch at the designated intervals (approximately 18-0 hours pre-dose, 0-4,4-8 and 8-:12 hours post-dosage) and processed. Blood samples were collected as well (pre-dose, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours post-dosage) via the chronic venous catheter and VAP or from a peripheral vessel if the chronic venous catheter procedure should not be possible. The blood and urine samples were analyzed for die maximum concentration (Cm.A time when the maximum concentration was achieved (Tmm,). area under the curve (AUC), half life of the dosage concentration (Tjs), clearance (CL), steady state volume and distribution (V^) and bioavailability (F), which are tabulated in Tables 2 and 3, and graphically illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.

Table 2: Oral Bioavailability in Monkeys

Table 3: Experimental Pharmacokinetics of p-D-2’-CEb-riboG in Cynomolgus

Monkeys

Example 6: Bone Marrow Toxicity Assay

Human bone marrow cells were collected from normal healthy volunteers and die mononuclear population was separated by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation as described previously by Sommadossi J-P, Carlisle R_ “Toxicity of 3-azido-3-deoxythymidine and 9-(l,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine for normal human hematopoietic progenitor cells m vitro” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1987; 31:452-454; and Sommadossi J-P, Schmazi RF, Chu CK, Xie M-Y. “Comparison of cytotoxicity of the (-)- and (+)-enantiomer of 2'3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine in normal human bone mairow progenitor cells” Biochemical Pharmacology 1992; 44:1921-1925. The culture assays for CFU-GM and BFU-£ were performed using a bilayer soft agar or methylcellulose method. Drugs were diluted in tissue culture medium and filtered. After 14 to 18 days at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% C02 in air, colonies of greater than SO cells were counted using an inverted microscope. The results in Table 4 are presented as the percent inhibition of colony formation in the presence of drug compared to solvent control cultures.

Table 4: Human Bone Marrow Toxicity CFU-GM and BFU-E Clonogenic Assays

Example 7; Mitochondria Toxicity Assay

HepG2 cells were cultured in 12-well plates as described above and exposed to various concentrations of drugs as tanght by Pan-Zhou X-R, Cui L, Zhou X-J, Sommadossi J-P, Darley-Usmer VM. "Differential effects of antiretroviral nucleoside analogs on mitochondrial fitnctinn in HepG2 cells” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000; 44:496-503. Lactic acid levels in the culture medium after 4 day drug exposure was measured using a Boehringer lactic acid assay kit. Lactic acid levels were normalized by cell number as measured by hemocytometer count. The preliminary results from this assay are tabulated in Table 5.

Table 5: Mitochondrial Toxicity Study (L-lactic acid assay)

FIAU P-D-2’-CH3-riboC

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises” or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not to the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

All publications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of each claim of the application.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A compound of the formula:

or a phosphate thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.
2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1, or a phosphate thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the compound is in the form of a dosage unit.
4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, wherein the dosage unit contains 10 to 1500 mg of said compound.
5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, wherein said dosage unit is a tablet or capsule.
6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the excipient is suitable for oral delivery.
7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the excipient is suitable for intravenous, parenteral, intradermal, subcutaneous or topical delivery.
8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the composition comprises one or more additional antiviral agents.
9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, wherein the additional antiviral agent is ribavirin.
10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, wherein the additional antiviral agent is an interferon.
11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, wherein the additional antiviral agents are an interferon and ribavirin.
12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, wherein the additional antiviral agent is a HCV polymerase inhibitor.
13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, wherein the additional antiviral agent is a HCV helicase inhibitor.