Boceprevir is a potent inhibitor in both enzyme assay (Ki* = 14 nM) and cell-based replicon assay (EC 90 = 0.35 microM). It is highly selective (2200x) against human neutrophil elastase (HNE). Boceprevir is well tolerated in humans and demonstrated antiviral activity in phase I clinical trials. It is currently in phase II trials. This Account details the complexity and challenges encountered in the drug discovery process.
