ALG-097161

ALG-097161 is a small molecule inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro), also known as Mpro, developed by Aligos Therapeutics. It is chemically related to nirmatrelvir and functions by forming a covalent bond with the catalytic Cys145 residue of the 3CLpro enzyme, which is essential for the viral life cycle. By inhibiting this protease, the compound prevents the cleavage of viral polyproteins, thereby halting viral replication. ALG-097161 has been extensively utilized in biochemical and structural studies to investigate the impact of drug-resistance mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and to evaluate the potency of next-generation inhibitors. While it serves as a significant research tool, Aligos Therapeutics has advanced other candidates, such as ALG-097558, into clinical development for the treatment of COVID-19.