Phenyldihydroxypyrimidines as HCV NS5B RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors. Part I: Amides and Ureas

2-Phenyl-5,6-dihydroxypyrimidine-4-carboxylic acids were discovered as specific inhibitors of the NS5B polymerase of the Hepatitis C Virus. In-depth structure-activity investigations at the ortho and meta positions of the phenyl ring were undertaken, and compounds with greatly improved activity over the original lead have been discovered.