GC-376

**GC-376** is an experimental **small molecule** antiviral drug that acts as a prodrug of GC-373, functioning as a **3C-like protease (3CLpro or Mpro) inhibitor** to block the cleavage of viral polyproteins essential for coronavirus replication and transcription. Initially developed using structure-guided design against MERS-CoV, it demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against at least 15 coronaviruses, including feline coronavirus (FIPV), SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, ferret coronavirus, mink coronavirus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Developed primarily by Anivive Lifesciences for veterinary use, particularly showing promising reversal of symptoms in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) "wet" form in field trials at UC Davis with no significant side effects; it has also exhibited in vitro and in vivo efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in human-relevant models, including reduced viral loads and milder pathology in K18-hACE2 mice, though clinical outcomes were modestly improved. Currently experimental, with final formulations being optimized and a pre-IND submitted to FDA for COVID-19 repurposing.[1][2][3][4][9][11][13]

Other names

GC376 free acidGC-376 free acidGC 376 free acid