Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs stand as precision tools in the medical arsenal, tailored to combat specific viral infections by targeting key stages of the viral life cycle. Nucleoside analogs, like acyclovir and zidovudine, disrupt viral replication by mimicking nucleosides crucial for viral DNA or RNA synthesis. Protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir and atazanavir, thwart viral maturation by inhibiting protease enzymes essential for the production of infectious virions. Neuraminidase inhibitors, represented by oseltamivir, impede the release of newly formed influenza viruses from infected cells. Entry inhibitors, exemplified by maraviroc, prevent viral entry into host cells, adding an additional layer of defense. The advent of advanced therapies, including RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-based technologies, holds promise in selectively silencing viral genetic material. Antiviral vaccines, such as those for influenza and human papillomavirus, serve a preventive role, stimulating the immune system to recognize and neutralize specific viral threats. As research advances, novel antiviral drugs and innovative therapeutic strategies continue to be explored, ensuring a comprehensive and evolving approach against viral infections.

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