The discovery of RFI-641 as a potent and selective inhibitor of the respiratory syncytial virus

The design and synthesis of a new potent and selective inhibitor of the respiratory syncytial virus are described. This compound, RFI-641, emerged from analysis of the structure–activity relationship in a series of biphenyl triazine anionic compounds possessing specific anti-RSV activity. The key synthetic step involves coupling of diaminobiphenyl 11 with two equivalents of chlorotriazine 10 under microwave conditions. RFI-641 inhibited RSV in vitro and in vivo models.