Research and Development Practice and Strategy of 3C-like Protease Inhibitor Bofutrelvir

Bofutrelvir is a small-molecule inhibitor targeting the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease. It can be administered by injection or atomized inhalation and can be administered as a single drug without the need for a combination of liver drug enzyme inhibitors. Current data show that bofutrelvir has broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity, high resistance barrier, higher drug concentration in respiratory tract and lung than in blood, and can significantly inhibit viral replication in lung and brain in animal models. This article briefly introduces the characteristics of bofutrelvir and its clinical development experience, aiming to provide ideas and references for the development of antiCOVID-19 drugs.