Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Revolutionizing Antiviral Therapeutics: Unveiling Innovative Approaches for Enhanced Drug Efficacy
Sandra Megantara1,2, Agus Rusdin3, Arif Budiman3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in late 2019, viral infections have become one of the top three causes of mortality worldwide. Immunization and the use of immunomodulatory drugs are effective ways to prevent and treat viral infections. However, the primary therapy for managing viral infections remains antiviral and antiretroviral medication. Unfortunately, these drugs are often limited by physicochemical constraints such as low target selectivity and poor aqueous solubility. Although several modifications have been made to enhance the physicochemical characteristics and efficacy of these drugs, there are few published studies that summarize and compare these modifications. Our review systematically synthesized and discussed antiviral drug modification reports from publications indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. We examined various approaches that were investigated to address physicochemical issues and increase activity, including liposomes, cocrystals, solid dispersions, salt modifications, and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. We were impressed by how well each strategy addressed physicochemical issues and improved antiviral activity. In conclusion, these modifications represent a promising way to improve the physicochemical characteristics, functionality, and effectiveness of antivirals in clinical therapy.
Insights
Modifying antiviral drugs addresses poor solubility and selectivity, enhancing their effectiveness against viral infections. These drug delivery systems show promise for improved clinical therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Viral infections are a leading cause of global mortality, with antiviral medications being the primary treatment.
- Current antiviral drugs face limitations due to poor physicochemical properties like low solubility and target selectivity.
- Existing research on enhancing antiviral drug properties is fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize modifications aimed at overcoming physicochemical limitations of antiviral drugs.
- To compare the efficacy of various strategies in improving antiviral activity and drug characteristics.
- To provide insights into promising approaches for enhancing antiviral therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases.
- Analysis of studies reporting modifications to antiviral and antiretroviral drugs.
- Categorization and discussion of modification techniques including liposomes, cocrystals, solid dispersions, salt forms, and nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Multiple modification strategies effectively addressed physicochemical challenges such as poor aqueous solubility.
- Investigated approaches significantly enhanced the antiviral activity of drug candidates.
- Liposomes, cocrystals, solid dispersions, salt modifications, and nanoparticle systems demonstrated notable improvements.
Conclusions:
- Drug modification techniques offer a viable solution to enhance antiviral drug properties.
- These modifications hold significant promise for improving the functionality and clinical efficacy of antiviral medications.
- Further development and application of these strategies can advance the treatment of viral infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:28Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
01:18Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...