Abstract: The present invention provides sulfamoylbenzamide derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. In certain embodiments, the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention inhibit pregenomic RNA encapsidation. In other embodiments, the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for treating Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds of formula (I) and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful as nucleocapsid assembly inhibitors. In other embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful as pregenomic RNA encapsidation inhibitors of Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In yet other embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful for the treatment of viral infection, including HBV and related viral infections.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise functionalized benzamide derivatives useful as pregenomic RNA encapsidation inhibitors, and are useful for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique antiviral screen system. The assay is based on quantitatively monitoring viral activation of host cell beta-interferon (IFN-?) gene expression in a HEK293-derived reporter cell line expressing a firefly luciferase gene under the control of a human IFN-? promoter. Unlike the traditional high throughput antiviral assays that measure either the reduction of viral components/yields or cytopathic effect, the readout of the reporter assay in the present invention is the virus-induced host cellular innate immune response. Hence, the assay allows for identification of compounds that inhibit virus infection. In addition, because induction of IFN is one of the most common attributes of viruses, the assay is applicable to all the viruses that are able to infect the reporter cell line and induce IFN-? expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides small molecule inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, which are useful as therapeutics in the management of chronic HBV. The compounds of the invention achieve epigenetic modification of the cccDNA, histone modification and histone deacetylase activity inhibition, thus modulating HBV cccDNA. The present invention further provides methods for modulating HBV cccDNA, for treating or preventing HBV in a subject, and for modulating cccDNA transcription of hepatitis B in a subject.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise covalently closed circular DNA formation inhibitors having a disease-modifying action in the treatment of diseases associated with the formation of covalently closed circular DNA that include hepatitis B infection, and any disease involving formation of covalently closed circular DNA.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique antiviral screen system. The assay is based on quantitatively monitoring viral activation of host cell beta-interferon (IFN-?) gene expression in a HEK293-derived reporter cell line expressing a firefly luciferase gene under the control of a human IFN-? promoter. Unlike the traditional high throughput antiviral assays that measure either the reduction of viral components/yields or cytopathic effect, the readout of the reporter assay in the present invention is the virus-induced host cellular innate immune response. Hence, the assay allows for identification of compounds that inhibit virus infection. In addition, because induction of IFN is one of the most common attributes of viruses, the assay is applicable to all the viruses that are able to infect the reporter cell line and induce IFN-? expression.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise sulfamoylbenzamide derivative useful as pregenomic RNA encapsidation inhibitors, useful for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Abstract: Cells and cell lines which replicate HCV of non-hepatic human and non human origin are disclosed. Also provided are methods of using such cells and cell lines to identify anti-HCV agents for the treatment of HCV infection.

Abstract: Cells and cell lines which replicate HCV of non-hepatic human and non human origin are disclosed. Also provided are methods of using such cells and cell lines to identify anti-HCV agents for the treatment of HCV infection.