Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals
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Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals

Published on: April 15, 2017

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Influenza Polymerase Inhibitors: Mechanisms of Action and Resistance

Emi Takashita1

  • 1Influenza Virus Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|March 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Influenza virus polymerase inhibitors like favipiravir, pimodivir, and baloxavir marboxil target essential viral replication proteins. This review examines their mechanisms, efficacy, and resistance for influenza treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is a conserved, essential target for antiviral development.
  • It consists of subunits PB1, PB2, and PA (influenza A/B) or P3 (influenza C/D).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanism of action, antiviral activity, and resistance of key influenza polymerase inhibitors.
  • To discuss favipiravir (PB1 inhibitor), pimodivir (PB2 inhibitor), and baloxavir marboxil (PA inhibitor).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications and clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of inhibitor mechanisms, efficacy against influenza viruses, and resistance profiles.

Main Results:

  • Favipiravir, pimodivir, and baloxavir marboxil demonstrate varying antiviral activities and resistance emergence patterns.
  • Each inhibitor targets a specific subunit of the influenza polymerase, impacting viral replication.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza polymerase inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy against influenza infections.
  • Understanding their mechanisms and resistance is crucial for effective clinical application and future drug development.

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