Affiliation:
1. University of Saint Joseph, School of Pharmacy & Physician Assistant Studies 229 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Abstract
Background:
Influenza is a single-stranded RNA virus that is highly contagious and infects
millions of people in the U.S. annually. Due to complications, approximately 959,000 people were
hospitalized and another 79,400 people died during the 2017-2018 flu season. While the best methods
of prevention continue to be vaccination and hygiene, antiviral treatments may help reduce symptoms
for those who are infected. Until recently, the only antiviral drugs in use have been the neuraminidase
inhibitors: oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir.
Objective:
We reviewed novel drug targets that can be used in the treatment of influenza, particularly
in the case of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant strains that may emerge.
Results:
More recently, a drug with a new mechanism of action has been approved. Baloxavir marboxil
inhibits the influenza cap-dependent endonuclease that is needed for the virus to initiate replication
within the host cell. This endonuclease target is within the polymerase acid (PA) subunit of RNA
polymerase. Since the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase consists of two other subunits, polymerase
basic 1 and 2, RNA polymerase has several targets that prevent viral replication. Other targets still under
investigation include viral kinases, endocytosis, and viral fusion.
Conclusion:
Due to the possibility of viral mutations and resistance, it is important to have antivirals
with different mechanisms available, especially in the case of a new pandemic strain. Several novel
antivirals are within various stages of development and may represent new classes of treatments that
can reduce symptoms and complications in those patients who may be at higher risk.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Clinical Biochemistry,Drug Discovery,Pharmacology,Molecular Medicine