GC-373

GC-373 is a small molecule peptide aldehyde that acts as a potent inhibitor of the main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro) of coronaviruses. It is the active metabolite of the prodrug GC376 and was originally developed for veterinary use against feline coronavirus. Mechanistically, it inhibits Mpro by covalently binding to its active site, thereby blocking viral polyprotein processing and halting viral replication. GC‑373 has demonstrated inhibitory activity against Mpro from various coronavirus strains—including feline, mink, ferret—and has shown potent inhibition in vitro against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV‑2 replication in cell culture models[1][2][5]. This suggests potential therapeutic utility for COVID‑19 and other coronavirus infections.

Other names

N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-leucyl-3-(2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-L-alaninalCarbamic acid, N-[(1S)-1-[[(1S)-1-formyl-2-(2-oxo-3-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-3-methylbutyl]-, phenylmethyl ester