Abstract

ANTIVIRAL THERAPIES: AN OVERVIEW OF CURRENT TREATMENTS FOR VIRAL DISEASES

Nida Anjum L Khazi, Aryaa Ankalikar* and Pradeepkumar M. Ronad

ABSTRACT

Viral infections continue to pose significant global health threats, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Historical pandemics such as the Spanish flu, Swine flu alongside recent outbreaks of Ebola, Zika, COVID-19 and the most recent HMPV outbreak, highlights the persistent danger of emerging and re-emerging viruses. Despite advancements in antiviral drug development, the limited availability of effective treatments complicates the management of viral diseases. Viruses, as intracellular parasites, hijack host cellular machinery for replication, following a universal cycle of attachment, entry, genome replication, and progeny assembly. Antiviral strategies target various stages of this cycle, including viral entry, genome replication, and protein synthesis. The development of novel antiviral agents, alongside preventive measures like vaccines, iscrucial to combat viral infections and mitigate the risk of future pandemics. This review is a pursuit to provide an in-depth analysis of current antiviral therapies their modes of action, and therapeutic uses, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and on innovations required in anti-viral therapy to address viral resistance and evolving pathogenic threats.

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