| abstract |
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs that inhibit the protein (s) encoded by hepatitis B virus (HBV) or that interfere with the life-cycle function of the virus. hepatitis B virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject afflicted with HBV infection. The invention further relates to methods of treating HBV infection in a patient, which methods of treatment comprise administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention. |