In search of a small-molecule inhibitor for respiratory syncytial virus.
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.
Gilead Sciences. jdouglas@speakeasy.net.
Janet L
JL
Douglas
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D012367:RNA, Viral