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Approaches to antiviral drug development
W H Prusoff1, T S Lin, E M August
1Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Developing new antiviral drugs is crucial due to limited options and existing drug toxicities. Both empirical and rational strategies are explored to find more potent and safer treatments for viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Drug Development
Background:
- Limited FDA-approved antiviral drugs exist for human viral infections.
- Current antiviral therapies often exhibit toxicities, necessitating improved treatments.
- A significant unmet need exists for drugs targeting viruses lacking effective therapies or vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss two primary strategies for antiviral drug development: empirical and rational approaches.
- To highlight examples and applications of each development strategy.
- To explore future directions in the creation of novel antiviral agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical drug discovery methods, involving screening of compounds without prior mechanistic knowledge.
- Analysis of rational drug design, focusing on understanding viral targets and mechanisms.
- Examination of the transition of antiviral compounds from cell culture to human therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Few compounds demonstrating in vitro antiviral activity successfully become approved human drugs.
- Currently, only seven synthetic compounds and alpha interferon are FDA-approved for viral infections.
- All approved antiviral drugs possess some level of toxicity.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for antiviral drugs with enhanced potency and reduced toxicity.
- Developing new antiviral therapies is essential for diseases currently lacking treatment or vaccines.
- Both empirical and rational strategies offer pathways for future antiviral drug discovery.