Pursuing new avenues in anti-influenza therapy

摘要

Influenza is still one of the major plagues worldwide with the threatening potential to cause pandemics. Our antiviral arsenal against these pathogens is currently limited to two classes of licensed anti-influenza drugs: neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 ion-channel inhibitors. In recent years, there is an increasing incidence of resistance to these approved anti-influenza drugs. This underlines the urgent need for novel antivirals in preparation for future influenza epidemics or pandemics. This overview article aims to highlight some of the novel antiviral approaches currently under investigation, including those presented at the Options for the Control of Influenza VII conference 2010. The current situation Influenza is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality, even in developed countries.