22β-methoxyolean-12-ene-3β,24-diol

ME3738 is a synthetic derivative of soyasapogenol B, a naturally occurring saponin. It has been studied for its hepatoprotective and antiviral effects, notably in models of acute and chronic liver inflammation and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Its hepatoprotective effect is mediated through induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which activates IL-6-dependent protective pathways and inhibits liver cell damage in models such as concanavalin A-induced hepatitis[1][5]. ME3738 also suppresses HCV replication by enhancing interferon (IFN)-β production and synergizing with IFN-α to increase expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), leading to reduced HCV RNA and core antigen levels in vitro and in vivo[3][5]. In clinical studies, ME3738 was administered orally in combination with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α-2a for chronic hepatitis C, showing a transient antiviral effect and good safety profile, but without a clear sustained virological response[4]. ME3738 also exhibits antiproliferative effects against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, primarily through S-phase cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis[5].