Based on the symmetrical bidentate structure of the NS5A inhibitor BMS-790052, a 
series of new monodentate molecules were designed. The synthesis of 36 new 
non-dimeric NS5A inhibitors is reported along with their ability to block HCV 
replication in an HCV 1b replicon system. Among them compound 5a showed 
picomolar range activity along with an excellent selectivity index (SI > 
90,000).