Molecular Modelling and Theoretical Design of Novel Nirmatrelvir Derivatives as Sars-Cov-2 Entry Inhibitors

The pandemic SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmittable with its proliferation among nations. This study aims to design and exploring the efficacy of novel nirmatrelvir derivatives as SARS entry inhibitors by adapting a molecular modeling approach combined with theoretical design. The study focuses on the preparation of these derivatives and understanding their effectiveness, with a special focus on their binding affinity to the S protein, which is pivotal for the virus’s access to the host cell. Considering molecular docking aspects in the scope of a study on nirmatrelvir derivatives and S protein, dynamics simulations with 25 nanoseconds of their binding are explored. The study shows that these derivatives might work as effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and that these findings should be followed by further preclinical and clinical trials to determine the safety, usefulness and feasibility of the compounds.