Antiviral Agents, RNA Viruses (Other than HIV), and Orthopoxviruses

Abstract

Since our last review on antiviral agents for RNA viruses other than HIV, significant advances have occurred in the field of antiviral chemotherapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new drugs (Relenza and Tamiflu) for the treatment of influenza for both adults and children. Pegylated interferon has improved the efficacy of interferon, particularly in combination with ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections. A monoclonal antibody, Synagis, has been approved for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract infections in high‐risk pediatric patients. A new drug application (NDA) has also been submitted to the FDA for the treatment of infections caused by rhinoviruses and enteroviruses. This chapter will update the discovery, preclinical evaluation, and clinical data supporting the development of antiviral agents for RNA viruses other than HIV. In addition, as a component of biodefense‐related activities, this chapter will review the historical and current development of antiviral agents for orthopoxviruses.