Bicyclic Nucleoside Inhibitors of Varicella-Zoster Virus: 5′-Chloro and 3′-Chloro Derivatives

We have recently discovered bicyclic furopyrimidines as potent and selective inhibitors of VZV. In order to investigate the structural requirements for antiviral activity we have succesfully synthesised some 3'-chloro and 5'-chloro derivatives. The compounds have been tested against VZV and CMV, but displayed no significant in vitro activity.