Recent advances in the discovery and development of anti-influenza drugs

ISSN： 1354-3776

Source： Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, Vol.12, Iss.6, 2002-06, pp. : 845-861

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Breakthrough advances in the chemotherapy of influenza have been achieved in recent years and the approval of zanamivir (Relenza^TM, Biotech Holdings) by the United States FDA in July 1999 for the treatment of type A and type B influenza marked the first new influenza treatments since the approval of rimantadine in 1993. This was followed by the approval of oseltamivir (Tamiflu^TM, Gilead Sciences) for the treatment of both type A and type B influenza in October 1999 and, subsequently, for the prevention of influenza A and B infection in adults and adolescents over the age of 13 years. Both zanamivir and oseltamivir are inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase, one of two surface glycoproteins of influenza virus and they represent a new class of anti-influenza agent. The successful launch of zanamivir and oseltamivir has prompted continued effort to discover and develop neuraminidase inhibitors with improved properties. Indeed, most of the anti-influenza drug discovery activity in recent years has been centred on neuraminidase inhibition, although efforts on improved preparation and formulation of the anti-influenza vaccine continues. This is evidenced by 22 patent applications filed between January 1998 and October 2001 concerning the chemotherapy of influenza all dealt with neuraminidase inhibition. This article will give a critical review of the recent advances in this area.