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Nature 443, 37-38 (7 September 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05003; Published online 16 August 2006

Structural biology: Antiviral drugs fit for a purpose

Ming Luo1

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Did drug researchers have a lucky break when they developed antiviral drugs for influenza? Crystal structures of enzymes from the H5N1 virus suggest that they did, and provide avenues for further exploration.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) have been stockpiled by several nations to counter the threat of a flu pandemic, should the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 develop into a human strain. These drugs are inhibitors of an enzyme known as neuraminidase, which is found on the surface of the flu virus.

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