Transitioning from Crisis to Control: Reviewing Antiviral Agents Targeting Pandemic Viruses

Swift viral replication, transmission and limited antivirals fuel the pandemic threat. Viral resurgences highlight the urgent need for rapidly deployable treatments post-SARS-CoV-2. With an emphasis on RNA viruses causing pandemics like Influenza, Ebola, Dengue, Chikungunya and SARS-CoV-2, we explore the status of current target-based antiviral agents. Likewise, the use of existing antiviral agents as entry inhibitors, replication inhibitors and protease inhibitors is discussed with case studies. Our review analyzes the antiviral compounds targeting entrance, replication and budding stages in the viral life cycle of the mentioned viruses. This comprehensive review offers valuable insights for medicinal chemists and future researchers, aiding the development of novel and potent drug candidates. It also supports repurposing endeavors against emerging pandemics.
Introduction
The review explores inhibitory drugs targeting RNA viruses like influenza, Ebola, Dengue, Chikungunya and SARS-CoV-2.

The review explores inhibitory drugs targeting RNA viruses like influenza, Ebola, Dengue, Chikungunya and SARS-CoV-2.
We focus on entry, replication and budding stages of viral lifecycle and drugs acting through at these stages. The complex RNA virus lifecycle underscores the need for broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Challenges include rapid viral evolution, limited virus knowledge, long development timelines, drug resistance, safety concerns and distribution hurdles. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to address these challenges and expedite effective antiviral development.
The study concludes with optimism about advancing broad-spectrum antivirals and emphasizes the urgency of prioritizing antiviral drug development for current and future global health crises.
Future perspectives highlight the application of biotechnological methods such as drug repositioning and structural bioinformatics in new antiviral drug development.