Antivirals in medical biodefense

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biodefense

Background:

• Viruses like poxviruses, filoviruses, and arboviruses pose significant public health risks during natural outbreaks and potential misuse as biothreat agents.
• Intelligence reports indicate an increasing risk of deliberate release of dangerous biological agents, necessitating enhanced biodefense strategies.
• Existing public health responses may be inadequate against deliberate viral agent releases, highlighting the need for specialized countermeasures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art in antiviral research for biothreat agents.
• To provide an overview of approved and developing antiviral compounds for post-exposure prophylaxis.
• To address the challenges in developing effective treatments against potential viral bioweapons.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature and conference proceedings (16th Medical Biodefense Conference, 2018).
• Analysis of current antiviral drug development pipelines.
• Discussion of state-of-the-art antiviral research methods.

Main Results:

• Identified key viral families of concern for biothreats (e.g., poxviruses, filoviruses, orthomyxoviruses).
• Highlighted the critical role of post-exposure prophylaxis with antivirals.
• Detailed the current landscape of antiviral drug development, including approved and investigational agents.

Conclusions:

• Antiviral drug development is a critical component of biodefense against viral biothreat agents.
• Continued research and development are essential to ensure preparedness for deliberate biological agent releases.
• Effective countermeasures require a multi-faceted approach, including robust antiviral treatment options.