Investigational antiviral therapies for the treatment of influenza.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) play a key role in viral transcription and replication; hence, the recent development of novel anti-influenza drugs targeting vRNPs has garnered widespread interest. AREAS COVERED: We discuss the function of the constituents of vRNPs and summarize those vRNPs-targeted synthetic drugs that are in preclinical and early clinical development. EXPERT OPINION: vRNPs contain high-value drug targets; such targets include the subunits PA, PB1, PB2, and NP. Developing a new generation of antiviral therapies with strategies that utilize existing drugs, natural compounds originated from new resources and novel drug combinations may open up new therapeutic approaches to influenza.