Phosphorus-containing drugs: Expanding horizons in antiviral therapeutics

Phosphorus-containing drugs have emerged as critical components in the fight against viral infections, owing to their unique chemical properties and versatile roles in molecular recognition, prodrug design, and enzymatic inhibition. This review provides a comprehensive overview of antiviral agents incorporating phosphorus atoms, focusing on their structural diversity, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications. We classify these compounds into three main categories: cyclic nucleoside analogues, acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, and non-nucleoside phosphorus-containing agents. For each class, we discuss representative drugs such as Remdesivir, Tenofovir, Cidofovir, and Foscarnet, highlighting the role of the phosphorus atom in enhancing stability, bioavailability, and specificity. Moreover, we explore prodrug strategies that address common pharmacokinetic limitations associated with phosphorus-containing molecules. By integrating chemical, pharmacological, and clinical perspectives, this review aims to elucidate the expanding potential of phosphorus-based antiviral therapeutics and their role in addressing current and emerging viral threats.