Neuraminidase, therapeutic enzyme

Therapeutic measures. First attempts of a causal treatment consist of zanamavir, an inhibitor of viral neuraminidase, an enzyme necessary for virus adsorption and infection of cells. However, since symptoms of common cold abate spontaneously, there is no compelling need to use drugs. Conventional remedies are intended for symptomatic relief. 

Mechanism of Action A selective inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase, an enzyme essential for viral replication. Acts against both influenza A and B viruses. Therapeutic Effect Suppresses the spread of infect ion within the respiratory system and re-duces the duration of clinical symptoms. 

Mechanism of Action An antiviral that appears to inhibit the influenza virus enzyme neuraminidase, which is essential for viral replication. Therapeutic Effect Prevents viral release from infected cells. 

Influenza A viruses cause severe infections in the respiratory system and are responsible for seasonal epidemics and sporadic pandemics. The primary method for prevention is through vaccination but vaccine production by current methods cannot be carried out in time to stop the progress of a new strain of the influenza virus. Therefore, effective antiviral agents are used for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments. Among several viral molecular targets for anti-influenza drugs, the surface glycoprotein neuraminidase appears particularly attractive. Selective inhibitors of this enzyme have been developed and two of which, oseltamivir phosphate 18 (Tamiflu ) " and zanamivir 19 (Relenza ), have been approved for human use (Scheme 6). 

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