Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of N-Phenylbenzamide Derivatives, a Novel Class of Enterovirus 71 Inhibitors

A series of novel N-phenylbenzamide derivatives were synthesized and their anti-EV 71 activities were assayed in vitro. Among the compounds tested, 3-amino-N-(4-bromophenyl)-4-methoxybenzamide (1e) was active against the EV 71 strains tested at low micromolar concentrations, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 +/- 0.8-12 +/- 1.2 mu M, and its cytotoxicity to Vero cells (TC50 = 620 +/- 0.0 mu M) was far lower than that of pirodavir (TC50 = 31 +/- 2.2 mu M). Based on these results, compound 1e is a promising lead compound for the development of anti-EV 71 drugs.