An Update on the Pharmacological Aspects of Vaccines and Antivirals for the Management of Monkeypox

Abstract

Monkeypox is a self-limiting zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus belonging to the genus of orthopox viruses. Initially considered an ‘African disease’, this infection has crossed the boundaries to affect other continents and it has raised tremendous concerns among the general public as well as the medical fraternity all over the world, particularly because of the lack of specific vaccinations and drugs for the management of the illness. Epidemiological evaluation of the current infection has reported that it is mainly transmitted through sexual contact in bisexual men, mostly whites, and in those with pre-existing human immunodeficiency virus infection. The most common presentations were skin rash, anogenital lesions, or mucosal lesions along with systemic symptoms. It has been established that the vaccines and drugs approved for the management of smallpox could be used for the management of the current monkeypox outbreak. Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) and vaccines like JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 and antiviral drugs like tecovirimat, cidofovir (CDV), and brincidofovir are being considered for those patients with serious diseases. It is imperative for physicians to understand the pharmacological aspects of these drugs for delivering better care to patients with monkeypox, which is eventually essential for the containment of this infection. This review covers updates on vaccines as well as drugs for the prevention and management of monkeypox.