Influenza virus resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors.

The recent reports from Hong Kong of an avian influenza virus which caused the death of six people has served to remind us of the constant threat of pandemics posed by influenza. Recently, structure-based drug design has resulted in the discovery of a new class of antiviral agents which specifically target the influenza virus neuraminidase. Two neuraminidase inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infection in man. Here we review the results of in vitro and in vivo studies relating to the potential development of resistance to this new class of compounds.