This invention relates to antiviral compounds targeting the alphavirus nsP2 protease, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use for the prevention, treatment, or mitigation of the Chikungunya virus. This compound selectively interferes with the essential proteolytic processing activity of nsP2, a critical step in the viral life cycle. By blocking nsP2-mediated cleavage of the viral polyprotein, it disrupts the proper maturation of nonstructural proteins required for efficient genome replication across both Old World and New World alphaviruses. Furthermore, this invention highlights a promising therapeutic strategy for developing broad-spectrum antivirals against diverse alphaviruses. Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes acute fever and severe joint pain, with many patients developing chronic arthritis, yet no approved antiviral treatments currently exist to stop infection after exposure. While vaccines are preventative and do not treat active disease, current management primarily depends on supportive care to alleviate symptoms. The viral nsP2 protease is essential for processing viral proteins required for replication, making it an attractive target for direct-acting antivirals. By directly stopping viral replication, nsP2 protease inhibitors seek to enhance current strategies by possibly reducing the severity of disease and averting long-term issues that present therapies are unable to resolve. Applications:
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