Broad-spectrum antiviral agents: a crucial pandemic tool

Abstract

Viral infections pose the greatest pandemic threat due to viral replication rates, transmissibility, and a lack of broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Antiviral strategies must selectively target viruses without harming host cells, limiting the number of viable targets. Existing antivirals are typically narrow-spectrum, targeting specific viruses or viral families, like acyclovir for herpesviruses and anti-HIV medications for HIV. Some antivirals exhibit broader activity. Favipiravir inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in influenza and other RNA viruses. Cidofovir targets DNA viruses, while its derivative, brincidofovir, has shown in vitro activity against some RNA viruses. Ribavirin inhibits viral polymerase enzymes in various RNA and DNA viruses. Repurposing existing antivirals offers another avenue for expanding their spectrum, as seen with ganciclovir and tenofovir. However, broad-spectrum activity can correlate with host toxicity, particularly with nucleoside analogs. A comprehensive antiviral strategy should include systematic testing of existing and developing antivirals against a wider range of viruses, along with targeted therapies like monoclonal antibodies. This approach is crucial for pandemic preparedness, given that current antiviral development primarily focuses on specific viruses rather than viral families or broader groups. – AI-generated abstract.