Zotatifin (eFT226) is a potent, selective, and well-tolerated eIF4A inhibitor. Zotatifin promotes eIF4A binding to specific mRNA sequences with recognition motifs in the 5’-UTRs (IC50=2 nM) and interferes with the assembly of the eIF4F initiation complex[1]. Zotatifin shows robust antiviral effects, it effectively reduces viral infectivity by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 NP protein biogenesis (IC90=37 nM)[2]. Zotatifin induces cell apoptosis[1].
[1]. Peggy A. Thompson, et al. Preclinical Evaluation of eFT226, a Novel, Potent and Selective eIF4A Inhibitor with Anti-tumor Activity in B-cell Malignancies. [2]. Gordon DE, et al. A SARS-CoV-2 protein interaction map reveals targets for drug repurposing.Nature. 2020 Apr 30.