Introduction to

Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are a class of medications that target and inhibit the
replication of viruses, helping to prevent and treat viral infections.
These drugs play a crucial role in managing and controlling various
viral diseases, from the common cold to more serious viral infections.

by MEHAR SHAIKH
Mechanism of Action
Viral Entry Inhibition
Some antivirals block the
virus from entering the host
cell, preventing infection.
Viral Replication
Interference
Many antivirals disrupt the
viral replication process
within the host cell.
Viral Assembly Disruption
Certain antivirals interfere
with the assembly and
release of new viral
particles.
Types of Antiviral Drugs

1 Nucleoside/Nucleotide Analogues 2 Protease Inhibitors

These drugs mimic the building blocks of These drugs target viral enzymes
viral genetic material, disrupting viral responsible for processing viral proteins.
replication.

3 Fusion/Entry Inhibitors 4 Polymerase Inhibitors

These drugs prevent the virus from These drugs target the viral enzymes
entering and infecting host cells. responsible for replicating the viral
genome.
Viral Targets and Antiviral Therapies
RNA Viruses DNA Viruses Retroviruses

Antivirals that target the Antivirals that target the Antivirals that target the
RNA-dependent RNA viral DNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase
polymerase, an essential essential for the replication enzyme, which converts viral
enzyme for RNA virus of DNA viruses. RNA into DNA.
replication.
Antiviral Drug Development
1 Drug Discovery
Identifying potential antiviral compounds through screening and rational
drug design.

2 Preclinical Testing
Evaluating the safety and efficacy of antiviral candidates in cell cultures
and animal models.

3 Clinical Trials
Assessing the safety and effectiveness of antiviral drugs in human clinical
studies.
Clinical Applications of Antivirals
Viral Infections Prophylaxis
Antivirals are used to treat and manage Antivirals can be used to prevent viral
viral infections, such as influenza, HIV, and infections, especially in high-risk
hepatitis. individuals.

Immunocompromised Patients Emerging Viruses

Antivirals are crucial for managing viral Antivirals play a vital role in responding to
infections in immunocompromised and controlling the spread of new and
individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or emerging viral pathogens.
undergoing cancer treatment.
Challenges and Limitations

Viral Resistance Adverse Effects Limited Spectrum

Viruses can develop Antiviral drugs can Many antivirals are specific
resistance to antiviral sometimes cause to certain virus types,
drugs, reducing their unwanted side effects in limiting their broad-
effectiveness over time. patients. spectrum application.
Future Directions in Antiviral Research

Novel Targets Combination Pandemic Personalized

Therapy Preparedness Medicine
Identifying new viral
targets and Exploring the use of Advancing antiviral Developing tailored
developing more multiple antiviral research to better antiviral treatments
effective antiviral drugs in prepare for and based on individual
drugs. combination to respond to future genetic and viral
enhance efficacy. viral outbreaks. factors.