Advances in Antiviral Drug Development: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Increased levels of morbidity and mortality, danger to the public's health, and a financial burden are all brought on by viral infections. Since being identified in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 (Major Acute Thoracic Disease Coronavirus 2), the causal agent of COVID-19, has killed over 900, 000 people and infected over 29 million other people. Novel antiviral tactics are desperately needed, as demonstrated by the unrelenting advancement of infectious agents and the ongoing threat of newly developing infectious illnesses. This study offers a thorough analysis of current advances in the field of antiviral drug discovery, including breakthroughs in target identification, innovative methods for drug design, and encouraging therapeutic candidates. The substantial consequences of viral infections make the development of novel antivirals and control measures imperative. This document provides an overview of the 96 antivirals that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) licensed between 1987 and 2019. Of these, 49 (51%) are used to treat HIV; four are used to treat human papillomavirus; six are used to treat cytomegalovirus; eight are used to treat hepatitis B virus; five are used to treat influenza; six are used to treat herpes simplex virus; 17 are used to treat hepatitis C virus; and one is used to treat respiratory syncytial virus. Future prospects for novel antiviral treatments, including CRISPR-Cas system, monoclonal antibodies, and nanotechnologies, are also covered in this review. The disquisition of different viral families, including RNA and DNA contagions, highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by experimenters in the field. The integration of slice-edge technologies, similar as structural biology, high-output webbing, and artificial intelligence, has revolutionized the medicine discovery process, enabling the identification of potent antiviral agents. In consideration of current global health issues, like as the COVID-19 pandemic, the changing field of antiviral research is also addressed, presenting insights on lessons acquired and possible directions for future research.