Design and Synthesis of Vitamin Drug Conjugate for its Probable Potential Against SARS-COV-2 Infections

Abstract

The novel corona virus infection had become a global epidemic due to its rapid spread. So, there is an urgent need to treat COVID-19 patients. The aim of this research was to hypothesize and examine vitamin drug conjugate as targeted moiety. The present scaffold may have potential role to fight against COVID-19 infection due to its antimicrobial, antioxidants and immunomodulatory activities. Here, we've highlighted the term Vitamin Drug Conjugate as possible therapy approach for SARS-COV-2 infection. As a result, we synthesize, characterized, and evaluated a Hydroxychloroquine — Folic Acid conjugate (HCQ-FA) by esterification mechanism to provide effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection by enhancing therapeutic effect through synergistic mechanism, masking undesired side effects, and improving cellular internalization. By using prodrug, the efficacy and bioavailability of existing antiviral drugs could be improved. The structure of the conjugate was determined by spectroscopic data like IR, NMR, and mass spectra, which indicates that HCQ-FA conjugate formed by esteric conjugation. Molecular docking studies revealed that HCQ-FA conjugate shows good level of docking as well as binding interaction with main protease moiety. Molecular dynamic stimulation revealed that this conjugate shows good stability at the binding site of SARS main protease moiety and exhibits inhibitory activity against COVID-19 infection.