Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitors as Antiviral Agents

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses two types of influenza neuraminidase inhibitors based on six-membered heterocycles and five-membered ring structures; those based on six-membered heterocycles include pyranose-based inhibitors, cyclohexene-based inhibitors, and benzene-based inhibitors; and those based on five-membered ring structure include furanose-based compounds, cyclopentane-based inhibitors, and pyrrolidine-based inhibitors. There has been a great deal of interest in targeting the neuraminidase enzyme on the surface of the influenza virus. This enzyme is required for the spread of the newly synthesized virus particles. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two neuraminidase inhibitors—nebulized zanamivir (Relenza) and oral oseltamivir (Tamiflu)—for the treatment of influenza. Neuraminidase inhibitors have advantages over M2 ion channel blockers, as they are effective against a wide range of influenza viruses unlike M2 ion channel blockers.