Broad-spectrum mono- and combinational drug therapies for global viral pandemic preparedness

Abstract

Broadly effective antiviral therapies must be developed to be ready for clinical trials, which should begin soon after the emergence of new life-threatening viruses. Here, we pave the way towards this goal by analyzing conserved druggable virus-host interactions, mechanisms of action and immunomodulatory properties of broad-spectrum antivirals (BSAs), routes of BSA delivery, and BSA interactions with other antivirals. Based on the analysis we developed scoring systems, which allowed us to predict novel BSAs and BSA-containing drug combinations (BCCs). Thus, we have developed a new strategy to broaden the spectrum of BSA indications and predict novel mono- and combinational therapies that can help better prepare for imminent future viral outbreaks.

Broad-Spectrum Antivirals and Antiviral Drug Combinations

“…Many more BSAs and BCCs are awaiting discovery and development. However, new methods are needed to identify and prioritize the development of a few of the thousands of potential pan-and cross-virus family therapeutic [5,13]. Such methods can assist the global health community by providing new options to fight ongoing and recurrent viral outbreaks.…”