BL-4040

BL-4040 is an orally bioavailable small molecule developed by BioLineRx for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It functions as a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) by inhibiting the HCV NS3 protease, an enzyme essential for the cleavage of the viral polyprotein into functional non-structural proteins required for viral replication. By binding to the active site of the NS3 protease, BL-4040 prevents the processing of the viral polyprotein, thereby halting the assembly of new viral particles. The compound was initially licensed from Bioline Innovations Jerusalem and showed potent activity against various HCV genotypes in early development. However, the project was eventually discontinued as the therapeutic landscape for Hepatitis C shifted toward highly effective multi-drug combinations and more advanced protease inhibitors.