Influenza virus inhibitors available for the chemotherapy and/or chemoprophylaxis of influenza virus infections.

Abstract

There are, at present, only three (classes of) compounds that could be considered for the chemotherapy and -prophylaxis of influenza virus infections: ribavirin, amantadine/rimantadine and the neuraminidase inhibitors zanamivir and oseltamivir. The latter, also known under the registered name of Tamiflu, seems to be the most indicated, as it is effective against influenza A and B virus infections and can be conveniently administered orally in capsule form (twice daily). In the wake of a potential influenza A virus pandemic it may be advisable to have at hand sufficient amounts of oseltamivir to affront such emerging infection.