In search of a small-molecule inhibitor for respiratory syncytial virus

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2004 Aug;2(4):625-39. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2.4.625.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus has been an ongoing health problem for 50 years. Hospitalization rates due to virus-induced respiratory illness continue to be substantial for infants, small children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. The only currently available treatments are a broad-spectrum antiviral and two immunoprophylactic antibodies, all of which are reserved for high-risk patients. The combination of this limited therapeutic repertoire and the lack of a vaccine clearly demonstrates the need to continue the search for more efficacious and safe agents against respiratory syncytial virus. The following is a review on the current progress of that search.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • RNA, Viral / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / drug effects*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / physiology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • RNA, Viral