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[Drugs active against respiratory viruses]
1Laboratoire de virologie humaine et moléculaire CHU, Caen.
La Revue Du Praticien
|March 15, 1997
Summary
Few antiviral drugs exist for respiratory viruses. While some agents show in vitro activity, effective treatments are limited, especially for severe lower respiratory tract infections like those caused by respiratory syncytial virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Upper respiratory tract infections are common but generally mild.
- Lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, can be severe, primarily caused by respiratory syncytial virus and influenza viruses.
Purpose:
- To review the limited availability of molecules active against respiratory viruses.
- To discuss existing and potential therapeutic agents for respiratory viral infections.
Summary:
- In vitro studies show some molecules can block rhinovirus-receptor interactions, including antibodies and capsid-binding agents.
- Amantadine and ribavirin have been used for lower respiratory tract infections.
- Ribavirin demonstrates efficacy against multiple viruses but requires aerosol administration due to toxicity, used compassionately in France for severe cases.
- Amantadine-related drugs are no longer available.
Impact:
- There is a significant unmet need for effective antiviral therapies against severe respiratory viral infections.
- Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the need for novel drug development.