DSC158A

DSC158A is an investigational, orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of the cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) enzyme, a critical component of the influenza virus RNA polymerase complex. Developed by Taiji Group in collaboration with the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the drug is designed to treat both influenza A and influenza B infections. By inhibiting the CEN activity within the PA subunit, DSC158A prevents the cap-snatching mechanism required for viral mRNA transcription, thereby halting viral replication. It is currently being evaluated in Phase I clinical trials in China to determine its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile, including the influence of food on its absorption and the characterization of its metabolite, DSC158A-6.