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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
09:29
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Marine compounds and their antiviral activities
Jarred Yasuhara-Bell1, Yuanan Lu
1Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
Antiviral Research
|March 27, 2010
Summary
Marine organisms offer a promising source for novel antiviral compounds due to increasing drug resistance. Continued research and technological advancements will accelerate the discovery of these vital marine-derived medicines.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Pharmacology
- Antiviral drug discovery
Background:
- Limited effectiveness of current treatments for infectious diseases, particularly viral infections.
- Growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic agents.
- Marine natural products represent a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of marine-derived compounds as antiviral agents.
- To review the progress in identifying and developing marine natural products for antiviral applications.
- To emphasize the future prospects of marine pharmacology in combating viral diseases.
Main Methods:
- Screening of marine organisms for novel compounds with antiviral activity.
- Isolation and characterization of active extracts from marine species.
- Preclinical and clinical evaluation of marine-derived antiviral drug candidates.
Main Results:
- Numerous crude aqueous and organic extracts from marine organisms exhibit significant antiviral activity.
- Over 40 marine-derived compounds are currently available or under investigation as antiviral drugs.
- Ongoing research continues to identify promising antiviral candidates from marine sources.
Conclusions:
- Marine natural products are a vital and expanding resource for developing new antiviral therapies.
- Advancements in marine culture and extraction technologies are accelerating drug discovery.
- Marine pharmacology presents a promising and evolving strategy for modern medicine, especially against resistant viral pathogens.
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