JTK-652

JTK-652 is an investigational, orally administered small molecule inhibitor of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry, developed by Japan Tobacco. A pyrrolopyridazin-derived compound, JTK-652 is designed to block the entry step of the HCV life cycle, preventing the virus from infecting host hepatocytes. Preclinical studies demonstrated that JTK-652 has inhibitory activity against HCV genotype 1a and 1b pseudotyped viruses in HepG2 cells and human primary hepatocytes. The drug was evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ascending dose study in healthy male volunteers to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, as well as a study in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. Despite reaching early clinical development, the program appears to have remained at the investigational stage without progressing to later-phase trials or commercialization.