New patent application published for: System and Method for Inhibiting the Nain Protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2

A novel benzimidazole-based compound designed to inhibit the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 a method of manufacture, and method of use is disclosed. The compound features a benzimidazole core with a fluorine atom at the 7-position, facilitating pi-stacking interactions with His41 in the Mpro active site. The chiral side chain includes a modified amphetamine backbone with a chiral carbon bearing a methyl group and an isobutyl group, filling the hydrophobic S2 pocket of Mpro. The nitrile warhead forms a covalent bond with the catalytic Cys145 of Mpro, ensuring irreversible inhibition. Additionally, the glutamine-mimicking side chain forms hydrogen bonds with Gln189, Glu166, and Thr190 in the Mpro active site. The compound can be administered in a pharmaceutical composition to treat COVID-19.