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Dramatic increases in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria have put the spotlight on the lack of new antibacterials coming through the pipeline. How might regulatory guidance for clinical trials of antibacterials help tackle this shortfall?
A more widespread adoption of an approach taken by a new scheme in which payment for an anticancer drug is linked to treatment response might create stronger incentives and opportunities for the discovery and application of clinically relevant biomarkers.
HIV has been the most active field of antiviral drug research and development since the discovery of the virus a quarter of a century ago. Flexner provides an overview of current opportunities and novel targets in HIV drug discovery, and analyses the central questions pertinent for the next 25 years of drug development for HIV.
The threat of an influenza pandemic has heightened the need for therapeutic strategies to combat this virus. This article provides a historical perspective on the discovery and development of two drugs that are at the forefront of our defences against influenza — the sialdiase inhibitors zanamivir and oseltamivir — highlighting the value of structure-based drug design in this process.
Interferons (IFNs) provide fundamental cellular defence mechanisms against viral infections and cancer. On the 50th anniversary of the discovery of IFNs, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of IFN biology, human therapeutic applications and potential drug targets within the IFN system.
Insights into the life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have facilitated the development of a number of innovative agents. Here, Manns and colleagues discuss the obstacles in current HCV management, the key challenges for new HCV antivirals and potential future therapeutic options.
Drug development for HIV has been the major driving force in antiviral research. The strategies that are now being pursued for combating hepatitis C virus (HCV) are remarkably reminiscent of those established for HIV. Here, De Clercq reviews aspects of the medicinal chemistry and history of drug design for HIV and HCV.
