M2 ion channel inhibitors

It may be possible to increase the utility of our resources to treat influenza virus infection through combinations of antiviral agents with different modes of action (discussed in Cinatl et al. 2007a De Clercq and Neyts 2007). The sialidase inhibitors, for example, may be able to be used in conjunction with the adamantane-based M2 ion channel inhibitors (Govorkova et al. 2004 Ilyushina et al. 2006), with Ribavirin (Smee et al. 2002) or with non-influenza virus specific therapeutics such as anti-inflammatory drugs (Carter 2007). Combination therapy may also reduce the potential of resistance development (Ilyushina et al. 2006). 

FIGURE 17.3 Anti-influenza compounds that act as (a) M2 ion channel inhibitors and (b) RNA polymerase inhibitors. 

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