ScienceDaily (July 16, 2009) — Amid reports that swine flu viruses are developing the ability to shrug off existing antiviral drugs, scientists in Japan are reporting a first-of-its kind discovery that could foster a new genre of antivirals that sidestep resistance problems, according to a new article.

Toshinori Sato and colleagues note in the new study that current antiviral drugs, including Tamiflu and Relenza, fight influenza by blocking key proteins that viruses need to reproduce. As the viruses reproduce, however, they can mutate into drug-resistant strains.

The researchers describe discovery of a new way to prevent flu viruses from infecting cells in the first place. They identified potential drugs that can block the first step in the infection process, and demonstrated that the substances work in cell cultures. "These results may lead to a new approach in the design of antiviral drugs," they state, noting that it could be used to develop new drugs for a variety of other medical problems.

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by American Chemical Society.

Journal Reference:

1. Teruhiko Matsubara et al. Inhibition of Influenza Virus Infections by Sialylgalactose-Binding Peptides Selected from a Phage Library. Journal of the Medicinal Chemistry, June 26, 2009 DOI: 10.1021/jm801570y

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In a finding that could lead to the design of new antiviral drugs for fighting swine flu and other viral disease, researchers say they have discovered a new way to prevent flu viruses from infecting cells. (Credit: The American Chemical Society)

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