This Letter describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of a number of functionalized bisimidazoles bearing annulated tricyclic motifs as potent inhibitors of HCV NS5A protein. Compound 4h, which contains a substituted tricyclic 6-6-6 xanthene, demonstrated broad genotypic spectrum, compelling potency, and good oral bioavailability with dose-dependent drug exposure level in multiple animal species. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.