Inhibitory effect of pyridobenzazoles on virus replication in vitro.

Twelve species of pyridobenzazoles and pyrimidobenzimidazole were examined as inhibitors of the replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in HeLa cells. From the pyridobenzazoles studied, 2-benzamido-4-cyano-1-oxo-1H,5H-pyrido[1,2-alpha]benzimidazol emerged as a potent inhibitor of the RSV. Based on its inhibitory effect on the cytopathogenicity of the RSV in HeLa cells, the 50% effective dose was found to be 0.95 micrograms/ml. The cytotoxicity of this compound for HeLa cells was examined by monitoring the incorporation of radiolabeled uridine into cellular RNA. The selectivity index was ca. 30, the same as Virazole.