Molecule Digest: Remdesivir

1: Can you show me your self-portrait?

I know I am handsome, but do not fall in love with me.

2: What is your birth story?

I was originally created and developed by Gilead Sciences in 2009, as part of the company’s research and development program for hepatitis C. later, I was studied toward several viruses like Ebola, Marburg virus, etc. Check the story in this review paper(ACS Cent. Sci. 2020, 6, 5, 672–683) for your interest.

3: How can chemist create you in flask?

There are all kinds of potential ways to do it. Here is the original route. Can you imagine the 0.5% total yield?! Do not worry. Then the second generation of synthesis boosted 25 times to over 12.5%.(J. Med. Chem. 2017, 60, 5, 1648–1661)

Chemists must do better job. Oh, there Flow Chemistry was involved too. If you like it , look at here.

4:How do I know it is YOU?

Do I need to prove myself?! I am awesome! I do not have a driver license or passport.  Go ask analytical chemists. They may help you. This article can help too.(J. Med. Chem. 2017, 60, 5, 1648–1661)

4: What can you do?

I can do a lot things, of course with cost, ie. adverse effects. FDA only allows me to fight Covid-19 virus for emergency use.

5: What are your dark sides?

I wish I am perfect, but I still cause  respiratory failure and organ impairment, including low albumin, low potassium, low count of red blood cells, low count of platelets, and yellow discoloration of the skin. But don’t blame me for that, Blame the scientists.