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- Antiviral Drug Development Service
Antiviral drugs are essential medications that seek to control viral infections by preventing replication or other viral activity. At Protheragen, we provide full-service antiviral drug development for unique and specialized ophthalmic diseases.
Viral infections can result in ophthalmic diseases that are complex in nature. If these diseases go untreated, they can progress to severe complications such as vision loss. Antiviral medications are critical in the management of these infections as they work on certain aspects of the viral infection and decrease the burden of the virus on ocular tissues. Herpes simplex keratitis, adenoviral conjunctivitis, and cytomegalovirus retinitis are some of the more common ophthalmic infections that are treated with antivirals. Effective antiviral agents for these diseases include idoxuridine, trifluridine, vidarabine, acyclovir, and ganciclovir. Each has its own mechanism of action and therapeutic index which makes the agents special.
Fig.1 Common inhibitory actions of antiviral drugs. (Kausar S., et al., 2021) Emerging viral pathogens and newer, drug-resistant strains require dynamic and evolving antiviral treatment, which has recently evolved in use and efficacy. New compounds with improved efficacy along with reduced toxicity have been developed in recent advancements in antiviral chemotherapy, suggesting new discoveries adjacent to its use. This includes its oral bioavailability, valacyclovir, which is a prodrug of acyclovir, further highlighting the ongoing research and development importance in improving antiviral therapies alongside its already established safety profile.
Table 1. Approved antiviral agents for viral ophthalmic infections. (Petrillo F., et al., 2022)
| Antiviral | Chemical Structure | Mechanism of Action | Target Viruses |
| Acyclovir | Acyclic pyrimidine nucleoside | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase; viral DNA chain termination | HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, VZV, CMV |
| Trifluridine | Pyrimidine nucleoside | Inhibits thymidylate synthetase | Vaccinia virus, HSV-1, HSV-2 |
| Vidarabine | Purine nucleoside | Inhibits multiple enzymes (e.g., DNA polymerase) | CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2 VZV, vaccinia virus, pseudorabies virus |
| Valaciclovir | 1-Valine ester of acyclovir | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase; viral DNA chain termination | HHV-6, HHV-8, HSV- 1, HSV-2, EBV, VZV, CMV |
| Valganciclovirn | Monovalent ester of ganciclovir | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase; viral DNA chain termination | VZV, CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV |
| Famciclovir | Acyclic guanine derivative | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase; viral DNA chain termination | VZV, HSV- 1, HSV-2, EBV |
| Idoxuridine | Pyrimidine nucleoside | Inhibits viral DNA thymidine uptakes, viral DNA polymerases, and viral DNA incorporation | HSV-1, HSV-2 |
| Ganciclovir | Acyclic pyrimidine nucleoside | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase; viral DNA chain termination | VZV, CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV |
| Cidofovir | Phosphonoformic acid derivative | Inhibits viral DNA polymerases | VZV, CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2 adenovirus, vaccinia virus, EBV |
| Fomivirsen | Antisense oligonucleotide | Viral mRNA binding | CMV |
| Foscarnet | Phosphonoacetic acid derivative | Inhibits viral DNA polymerases and RNA polymerases | VZV, CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research service. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Protheragen provides a full-service approach to the unique difficulties posed by ophthalmic diseases within the scope of antiviral drug development. We specialize in all stages of the preclinical development continuum, ranging from the discovery phase to preclinical evaluation.
Target Identification and Validation
The first step involves identifying viral proteins or enzymes that are essential for the virus's replication cycle. These targets are validated through biochemical and genetic approaches to ensure their relevance to the disease.
Types of Antiviral Drugs
Preclinical Testing
This phase includes in vitro and in vivo studies to assess the antiviral activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of the lead compounds. Animal models of ocular infections are used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the drug candidates.
Formulation Development
We specialize in developing formulations that enhance the delivery and efficacy of antiviral drugs for ophthalmic diseases. Our formulation development services include topical formulations, sustained-release formulations and intravitreal injections.
With our expertise in virology, pharmacology, and ocular biology, Protheragen is your trusted partner in the fight against ocular viral infections. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
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