Trends and strategies to combat viral infections: A review on FDA approved antiviral drugs.

The infectious microscopic viruses invade living cells to reproduce themselves, and causes chronic infections such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, flu, etc. in humans which may lead to death if not treated. Different strategies have been utilized to develop new and superior antiviral drugs to counter the viral infections. The FDA approval of HIV nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, zidovudine in 1987 boosted the development of antiviral agents against different viruses. Currently, there are a number of combination drugs developed against various viral infections to arrest the activity of same or different viral macromolecules at multiple stages of its life cycle; among which majority are targeted to interfere with the replication of viral genome. Besides these, other type of antiviral molecules includes entry inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, interferons, immunomodulators, etc. The antiviral drugs can be toxic to human cells, particularly in case of administration of combination drugs, and on the other hand viruses can grow resistant to the antiviral drugs. Furthermore, emergence of new viruses like Ebola, coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2) emphasizes the need for more innovative strategies to develop better antiviral drugs to fight the existing and the emerging viral infections. Hence, we reviewed the strategic enhancements in developing antiviral drugs for the treatment of different viral infections over the years.

Introduction

A virus is a microscopic organism that cannot reproduce by itself outside the host body. The viruses carry either ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as their genetic material which can be single-stranded or double-stranded [1]. The infections by viruses in humans caused millions of deaths around the globe and are accountable for the human diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, herpes simplex, common cold, etc. [[2], [3], [4]]. The infection process varies among viral species; however, they follow certain common steps in infecting the animal hosts. The typical stages of virus infection include (i) attachment and entry: initially, the glycoproteins on the envelope of virus attach to the receptor/co-receptor molecules on the host cell membrane, which facilitates the entry of virus inside the host cell through endocytosis [5,6]. (ii) Virus uncoating: the capsid of internalized virus is degraded by the host cell enzymes and the viral components (genetic material and proteins) released into the host cytosol. (iii) Replication and transcription of viral genome: the viral genome comprising DNA or RNA is transported into the nucleus where its replication and transcription occurs to produce the multiple copies of genome and messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, respectively (Fig. 1 ). The replication mechanism varies based on the genome type such as DNA/RNA, single/double-stranded, positive/negative sense [[6], [7], [8], [9]]. The RNA genome can replicate in the cytoplasm itself [5,6]. (iv) Protein synthesis: the viral mRNAs are translated into structural and regulatory proteins in the cytoplasm utilizing the host cell protein synthetic machinery. (v) Assembly: successful replication and expression of the viral genome produces the components that are essential for the survival of the progeny virus after release from host cell. Thus, all the necessary components are packed together to produce new viruses. (vi) Release: the assembled progeny viruses are released into the extracellular fluid through lysis of the host cell or budding. The lysis process causes death of the host cell whereas budding may not [5,6]. The infectious nature of viruses enforced the scientific community to develop antiviral drug molecules to limit the survival and spreading of viruses through blocking any one or combination of above stages of virus life cycle. Antiviral drug is an agent (small or large molecule(s), synthetic or natural) that can reduce the infectious disease caused by a virus. In 1963, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency approved the first antiviral drug, idoxuridine to treat the infection caused by herpes simplex virus [10,11]. The upsurge in chronic viral infections such as HIV, HCV, HBV, etc. and the emergence of new viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses [[12], [13], [14], [15]] emphasize the growing need for novel strategies to develop the antiviral agents. Particularly, emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic around the world during 1980s, improved the efforts leading to advancements in therapeutic innovations as well as basic science. This led to development of antiviral inhibitors against not only HIV but also included other viruses (Fig. 2a).

Fig. 1

The life cycle of viruses. The virus initially attaches to the host cell receptors via its surface proteins which facilitates its internalization. The internalized virus releases its genome into the cytosol to be replicated (RNA in cytosol and DNA in nucleus), transcribed and translated, to produce essential viral proteins. The viral components assemble together to develop into progeny virions which are released into extracellular space through budding or lysis of host cell.

Fig. 2

Trends in antiviral drugs development. (a) Comparison of number of antiviral drugs developed against different viral diseases since 1960s. Major breakthrough in development of antiviral therapeutics for different viral infections occurred after the emergence of HIV (1991–2020). (b) Among the FDA approved antiviral therapies, majority are small molecules and the smaller fraction oligomeric molecules include proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides. (c) Division of the 118 antiviral therapies based on number of their drug components and target of action. HIV - human immunodeficiency virus, HCV - hepatitis C virus, HBV - hepatitis B virus, Infl - influenza virus, HSV - herpes simplex virus, HPV - human papillomavirus, RSV - respiratory syncytial virus, HCMV - human cytomegalovirus, VZV - varicella-zoster virus.

Among the FDA approved antiviral compounds, majority are small molecules (Fig. 2b) with diverse roles in clinical use. The large molecules approved as antiviral drugs include proteins (interferons, monoclonal antibodies), peptides, and oligonucleotides. Most of these FDA-approved antiviral drugs target the virus cellular machinery, on the other hand very few of them target the host cells/cellular mechanisms (Fig. 2c). The antiviral drugs are administered as mono and combination therapies. In mono-therapies, the antiviral agents target either virus or host systems, whereas in case of combination therapies, although major number of therapies target viral proteins, few targets both the viral and host proteins (Fig. 2c). The FDA approved drug molecules have different mechanisms of antiviral activity and based on their structure and/or function could be grouped into structural analogues (nucleoside analogues, non-nucleoside pyrophosphate analogues, 5-substituted 2′-deoxyuridine analogues, acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogues, acyclic guanosine analogues), entry inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors, inhibitors specific to certain viruses (influenza virus inhibitors, and hepatitis C virus NS5A protein and NS5B polymerase inhibitors), and interferons, immunomodulators, antimitotic inhibitors and oligonucleotides.

In this review, we summarized all the antiviral agents that are developed since the approval of first drug molecule by FDA in 1963, against the major infectious viruses. The development of diverse drug molecules with the underlying strategies, against each viral infection are described. Additionally, we included brief description on the pandemics of 21st century and their treatment, with emphasis on coronaviruses.

FDA-approved drugs against viral infections in humans

Human immunodeficiency virus infections

Human immunodeficiency virus which causes AIDS was discovered in 1983 [16,17]. HIV belongs to retroviridae family, containing a linear, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome. HIV exists in two major types viz., HIV-1 (most common) and HIV-2 (uncommon and less infectious), and the high genetic variations in its genome makes HIV a fastest-evolving organism [18]. The blood or body fluids contaminated with HIV are the source of its transmission. According to the WHO, 770000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2018 and approximately 37.9 million people are living with HIV at the end of 2018.

Zidovudine (Retrovir) was the first drug molecule developed against HIV [19], approved for treatment in 1987. It is a pyrimidine analogue, thus inhibits nucleoside reverse transcriptase activity and HIV-DNA replication. Following this, other RT inhibitors such as didanosine (Videx) [20], zalcitabine (Hivid) [20], stavudine (Zerit) [21,22], lamivudine (Epivir) [23], abacavir sulfate (Ziagen) [24], etc. (Table 1 ) were developed to treat HIV infections. Saquinavir mesylate (Invirase) was the first approved protease inhibitor (PI) that blocks the activity of HIV protease by binding to its active site which result in unprocessed viral proteins thereby prevents HIV multiplication. In 2007, first integrase inhibitor raltegravir (Isentress) was approved as HIV inhibitor which blocks the integration of its DNA into host genome. In 1997, the first combination therapy was approved with a fixed dose of the reverse transcriptase inhibitors, lamivudine and zidovudine (Combivir) for the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Kaletra, another combination drug constituted of a HIV protease inhibitor, lopinavir and ritonavir which prevents lopinavir metabolism in the host cell by inhibiting host cytochrome protein CYP3A was approved in 2000 for HIV infections treatment. CYP3A is a subfamily of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, are essential for metabolism of many drugs. CYP3A4 is the most important isoform and located abundantly in liver and small intestine. The low substrate specificity of CYP3A4 makes it susceptible to reversible or irreversible inhibition by a variety of drugs utilizing NADPH, in time- and dose-dependent manner [25]. Inhibition of CYP3A increases the bioavailability of combination drug molecules helping in their preferred therapeutic action. Following Kaletra, Trizivir, a fixed dose tablet of three components (abacavir sulfate, lamivudine and zidovudine) was approved against HIV infection that targets viral replication by inhibiting its reverse transcriptase enzyme. Later, there have been a number of combination therapies approved for HIV infections treatment. The combination therapies are chiefly aimed to stop or slow down the development of drug resistance in viruses by arresting their replication and/or other critical cellular processes at multiple points of life cycle (Fig. 3 ).

Table 1

List of drugs approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency for the treatment of viral infections in humans.

Year	Trade name	Generic name	Molecule type	Therapy type	Hostb/viral target(s)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
1987	Retrovir	Zidovudine (AZT)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1991	Videx	Didanosine (ddI)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1992	Hivida	Zalcitabine (ddC)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1994	Zerit	Stavudine (d4T)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1995	Epivir	Lamivudine (3TC)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1995	Invirase	Saquinavir mesylate (SQV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
1996	Crixivan	Indinavir sulfate (IDV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
1996	Norvir	Ritonavir (RTV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
1996	Viramune	Nevirapine (NVP)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1997	Combivir	Lamivudine (3TC)/zidovudine (AZT)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT
1997	Rescriptora	Delavirdine mesylate (DLV)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1997	Viracept	Nelfinavir mesylate (NFV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
1998	Sustiva	Efavirenz (EFV)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1998	Ziagen	Abacavir sulfate (ABC)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
1999	Agenerasea	Amprenavir (APV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
2000	Kaletra	Lopinavir (LPV)/ritonavir (RTV)	Small molecule	Combo	Protease/CYP3Ab
2000	Trizivir	Abacavir sulfate (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC)/zidovudine (AZT)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2001	Viread	Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
2003	Emtriva	Emtricitabine (FTC)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
2003	Fuzeon	Enfuvirtide (T20)	Peptide	Mono	GP41 glycoprotein
2003	Lexiva	Fosamprenavir calcium (FPV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
2003	Reyataz	Atazanavir sulfate (ATV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
2004	Epzicom	Abacavir sulfate (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT
2004	Truvada	Emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT
2005	Aptivus	Tipranavir (TPV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
2006	Atripla	Efavirenz (EFV)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2006	Prezista	Darunavir ethanolate (DRV)	Small molecule	Mono	Protease
2007	Isentress	Raltegravir potassium (RAL)	Small molecule	Mono	Integrase
2007	Selzentry	Maraviroc (MVC)	Small molecule	Mono	Host CCR5 receptorb
2008	Intelence	Etravirine (ETR)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
2011	Complera	Emtricitabine (FTC)/rilpivirine hydrochloride (RPV)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2011	Edurant	Rilpivirine hydrochloride (RPV)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
2012	Stribild	Cobicistat (COBI)/elvitegravir (EVG)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	CYP3Ab/integrase/RT/RT
2013	Tivicay	Dolutegravir sodium (DTG)	Small molecule	Mono	Integrase
2014	Triumeq	Abacavir sulfate (ABC)/dolutegravir sodium (DTG)/lamivudine (3TC)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/integrase/RT
2014	Vitektaa	Elvitegravir (EVG)	Small molecule	Mono	Integrase
2015	Dutrebisa	Lamivudine (3TC)/raltegravir (RAL)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/integrase
2015	Evotaz	Atazanavir sulfate (ATV)/cobicistat (COBI)	Small molecule	Combo	Protease/CYP3Ab
2015	Genvoya	Cobicistat (COBI)/elvitegravir (EVG)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)	Small molecule	Combo	CYP3Ab/integrase/RT/RT
2015	Prezcobix	Cobicistat (COBI)/darunavir ethanolate (DRV)	Small molecule	Combo	CYP3Ab/protease
2016	Descovy	Emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT
2016	Odefsey	Emtricitabine (FTC)/rilpivirine hydrochloride (RPV)/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2017	Juluca	Dolutegravir (DTG)/rilpivirine (RPV)	Small molecule	Combo	Integrase/RT
2018	Biktarvy	Bictegravir (BIC)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)	Small molecule	Combo	Integrase/RT/RT
2018	Cimduo	Lamivudine (3TC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT
2018	Delstrigo	Doravirine (DOR)/lamivudine (3TC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2018	Pifeltro	Doravirine (DOR)	Small molecule	Mono	RT
2018	Symfi	Efavirenz (EFV)/lamivudine (3TC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2018	Symfi Lo	Efavirenz (EFV)/lamivudine (3TC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Combo	RT/RT/RT
2018	Symtuza	Darunavir (DRV)/cobicistat (COBI)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)	Small molecule	Combo	Protease/CYP3Ab/RT/RT
2018	Trogarzo	Ibalizumab-uiyk (IBA)	Protein	Mono	Host CD4+ T cellsb
2019	Dovato	Dolutegravir (DTG)/lamivudine (3TC)	Small molecule	Combo	Integrase/RT
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
1991	Intron A	Interferon alfa-2b (INT2B)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
1997	Infergena	Interferon alfacon-1 (CIFN)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
1998	Rebetol	Ribavirin (RBV)	Small molecule	Mono	RNA polymerase
2001	Pegintron	Peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG2b)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
2002	Pegasys	Peginterferon alfa-2a (PEG2a)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
2011	Victrelisa	Boceprevir (BOC)	Small molecule	Mono	NS3/4A protease
2011	Inciveka	Telaprevir (TPV)	Small molecule	Mono	NS3/4A protease
2013	Olysioa	Simeprevir sodium (SIM)	Small molecule	Mono	NS3/4A protease
2013	Sovaldi	Sofosbuvir (SOF)	Small molecule	Mono	NS5B polymerase
2014	Harvoni	Ledipasvir (LED)/sofosbuvir (SOF)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5A protein/NS5B polymerase
2014	Viekira Pak	Dasabuvir sodium (DAS)/ombitasvir (OMB)/paritaprevir (PAR)/ritonavir (RTV)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5B polymerase/NS5A protein/NS3/4A protease/CYP3Ab
2014	Daklinza/Sunvepra (Japan)	Daclatasvir dihydrochloride (DCV)/asunaprevir (ASV)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5A protein/NS3/4A protease
2014	Vanihep (Japan)	Vaniprevir (VPV)/peginterferon alpha-2a (PEG2a)/ribavirin (RBV)	Small molecule	Combo	NS3/4A protease/immunomodulationb/RNA polymerase
2015	Techniviea	Ombitasvir (OMB)/paritaprevir (PAR)/ritonavir (RTV)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5A protein/NS3/4A protease/CYP3Ab
2015	Daklinza/Sovaldi	Daclatasvir dihydrochloride (DCV)/sofosbuvir (SOF)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5A protein/NS5B polymerase
2016	Zepatier	Elbasvir (ELB)/grazoprevir (GZR)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5A protein/NS3/4A protease
2016	Epclusa	Sofosbuvir (SOF)/velpatasvir (VEL)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5B polymerase/NS5A protein
2017	Vosevi	Sofosbuvir (SOF)/velpatasvir (VEL)/voxilaprevir (VOX)	Small molecule	Combo	NS5B polymerase/NS5A protein/NS3/4A protease
2017	Mavyret	Glecaprevir (GLE)/pibrentasvir (PIB)	Small molecule	Combo	NS3/4A protease/NS5A protein
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
1992	Intron A	Interferon alfa-2b (INT2B)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
1998	Epivir-HBV	Lamivudine (3TC)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2002	Hepsera	Adefovir dipivoxil (ADE)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2005	Baraclude	Entecavir (ENT)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2005	Pegasys	Peginterferon alfa-2a (PEG2a)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
2006	Tyzekaa	Telbivudine (LdT)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2008	Viread	Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2016	Vemlidy	Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
Influenza virus
1966	Symmetrela	Amantadine	Small molecule	Mono	M2 channel protein
1985	Virazole	Ribavirin (RBV)	Small molecule	Mono	RNA polymerase
1993	Flumadine	Rimantadine (RIM)	Small molecule	Mono	M2 channel protein
1999	Relenza	Zanamivir (ZAN)	Small molecule	Mono	Neuraminidase
1999	Tamiflu	Oseltamivir (OTV)	Small molecule	Mono	Neuraminidase
2010	Inavir (Japan)	Laninamivir octanoate (LO)	Small molecule	Mono	Neuraminidase
2014	Rapivab	Peramivir (PER)	Small molecule	Mono	Neuraminidase
2014	Avigan (Japan)	Favipiravir (FPV)	Small molecule	Mono	RNA polymerase
2018	Xofluza	Baloxavir marboxil (BXM)	Small molecule	Mono	Endonuclease
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
1963	Dendrida	Idoxuridine (IDU)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1976	Vira-Aa	Vidarabine (VDR)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1980	Viroptic	Trifluridine (TFT)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1982	Zovirax	Acyclovir (ACY)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1991	Foscavir	Foscarnet sodium (PFA)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1994	Famvir	Famciclovir (FAM)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1995	Valtrex	Valacyclovir hydrochloride (VAL)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1996	Denavir	Penciclovir (PEN)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2000	Abreva	Docosanol (DOC)	Small molecule	Mono	Fusion/entry of viral particles
2000	Zostex	Brivudine (BVDU)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2009	Xerese	Acyclovir/hydrocortisone (ACY)	Small molecule	Combo	DNA polymerase
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
1988	Intron A	Interferon alfa-2b (INT2B)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
1989	Alferon N	Interferon alfa-N3 (INTN3)	Protein	Mono	Host immune systemb
1990	Condylox	Podofilox (PDX)	Small molecule	Mono	Cell divisionb
1997	Aldara	Imiquimod (IMQ)	Small molecule	Mono	Host immune systemb
2006	Veregen	Sinecatechins (SIN)	Small molecule	Mono	Host immune systemb
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
1985	Virazole	Ribavirin (RBV)	Small molecule	Mono	RNA polymerase
1996	RespiGama	RSV-IGIV	Protein	Mono	Glycoproteins G and F
1998	Synagis	Palivizumab (PZ)	Protein	Mono	Glycoprotein F
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
1989	Cytovene	Ganciclovir sodium (GCV)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1991	Foscavir	Foscarnet sodium (PFA)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1996	Vistidea	Cidofovir (CID)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1998	Vitravenea	Fomivirsen sodium (FMV)	Oligo-nucleotide	Mono	Replication
2001	Valcyte	Valganciclovir hydrochloride (VALG)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2017	Prevymis	Letermovir (LET)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA terminase complex
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
1976	Vira-Aa	Vidarabine (VDR)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
1981	VZIGa	Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG)	Protein	Mono	Viral particles
1982	Zovirax	Acyclovir (ACY)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2000	Zostex (Europe)	Brivudine (BVDU)	Small molecule	Mono	DNA polymerase
2012	VariZIG	Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VariZIG)	Protein	Mono	Viral particles

RT - reverse transcriptase enzyme of HIV; common antiviral drugs: Foscavir for HCMV and HSV; Intron A for HBV, HCV and HPV; Pegasys for HBV and HCV; Vira A for HSV and VZV; Zostex for HSV and VZV.

Discontinued antiviral drugs.

Antiviral drugs targeting host system.

Fig. 3

Antiviral drugs developed to target different stages of the life cycle of infectious viruses. HIV is targeted at nearly all stages of its multiplication, while viral genome replication and transcription stages of all viruses are targeted to prevent viral replication.

Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) was the first peptide (36 amino acids) - HIV inhibitor approved in 2003 [26]. Enfuvirtide blocks the fusion of HIV with host cell membrane by mimicking the helix in heptad region 2 of the viral glycoprotein 41 (GP41) [27]. However, subcutaneous administration of this drug limited its usage for long-term application. In 2007, FDA approved another entry inhibitor that specifically targets host cellular protein. Maraviroc (Selzentry) was the first antagonist that binds host chemokine receptor (CCR5) located on the surface of T-lymphocytes and phagocytic macrophages and prevents HIV fusion into host cells. Targeting CCR5 with maraviroc in cell lines and clinical trials showed promising antiviral activity [[28], [29], [30]]. Interestingly, the human clinical trials showed that maraviroc is an efficient suppressor of R5 HIV-1 infections but not R4 HIV-1 infections [31] indicating its selective phenotype based antiviral activity.

In 2018, ibalizumab (Trogarzo), a monoclonal antibody which binds to CD4 receptors on the surface of T-cells and prevents the entry and reproduction of HIV was approved. Ibalizumab was approved for use in combination therapies for the treatment of patients infected with multidrug resistant HIV-1 [32]. The combination drug Cimduo comprising NRTIs, lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was approved to treat the HIV-1 infections [33]. Doravirine (Pifeltro), a NNRTI was prescribed for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients. In addition, doravirine was also approved for the treatment with combination of the NRTIs - lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Delstrigo) [[34], [35], [36]].

In addition, bictegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), also known as integrase inhibitor, prevents the integration of viral DNA into human genome was approved to use as a combination drug along with two NRTIs - emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (Biktarvy) [37,38]. Symtuza was approved as a fixed-dose, single tablet of four drug molecules, darunavir - a protease inhibitor, cobicistat - a host CYP3A inhibitor, and two NRTIs - emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide [39,40]. Further FDA approved Symfi Lo and Symfi as anti-HIV-1 drugs for patients weighing at least 35 and 40 kg, respectively. These are single tablets of fixed-dose of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, efavirenz - a NNRTI, and NRTIs - lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [33,41]. In April 2019, the FDA approved a two-drug regimen of dolutegravir and lamivudine (Dovato) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Dolutegravir is an INSTI and lamivudine is a NRTI, which together blocks the protease activity and HIV-1 multiplication [42].

In addition, FDA approved the herbal tablet, Fulyzaq (crofelemer) for the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea associated with HIV/AIDS patients on anti-retroviral therapy. Each tablet contains Crofelemer (125 mg), composed of (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, (+)-gallocatechin, and (−)-epigallocatechin monomers in random order, derived from the red latex of Croton lechleri Müll. Arg. [43].

Hepatitis C virus infections

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was discovered in 1989 consisting a linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. HCV belongs to Flaviviridae family and classified into seven major genotypes, among which genotypes 1 and 2 are most prevalent in infecting human populations [44]. The transmission of HCV occurs through transfusion of infected blood and blood products, needle sharing, sexual practices, etc. According to WHO, 71 million people were estimated to have chronic HCV infection, and nearly 399,000 people died globally from hepatitis C virus infection in 2016.

HCV employs serine proteases to process the precursor polyproteins. Currently, there are nine antiviral drugs approved for clinical use as HCV protease inhibitors among which majority are combination drugs. The FDA approved small drug molecules, glecaprevir, grazoprevir, vaniprevir, asunaprevir, paritaprevir, simeprevir, boceprevir, telaprevir, and voxilaprevir (Table 1), efficiently inhibits HCV NS3/4A protease activity [[45], [46], [47]]. Boceprevir (Victrelis) and telaprevir (Incivek), approved in 2011 were withdrawn from market for commercial reasons in 2014. In May 2018, another protease inhibitor, simeprevir (Olysio) was also discontinued from market. The combination drug tablets Viekira Pak (dasabuvir sodium, ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir) and Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir) were approved to treat infections caused by HCV genotypes 1 and 4, respectively. Interestingly, Viekira Pak is still prescribed for the treatment while Technivie was discontinued in January 2019.

In December 2013, a novel direct-acting antiviral drug, sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) was permitted to treat the infections of HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 [48]. Sofosbuvir binds to nonstructural NS5B polymerase and inhibits HCV replication [45]. Based on HCV genotype, ribavirin and peginterferon may be co-administered along with sofosbuvir. Soon after, a fixed-dose combination drug of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (Harvoni) was approved to use against HCV genotypes 1 and 4 infections with or without cirrhosis [49,50]. It does not require co-administration with ribavirin or peginterferon. Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir), a combination tablet was approved (June 2016) to treat all six hepatitis C genotypes, including patients with cirrhosis [51]. Furthermore, Vosevi (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, voxilaprevir), another combination tablet of sofosbuvir was approved in July 2017 to treat all genotypic infections of HCV [[52], [53], [54]]. Vosevi is primarily intended for patients who did not achieve viral clearance on sofosbuvir treatment.

In Japan, the combination drugs, asunaprevir and daclatasvir dihydrochloride (Sunvepra plus Daklinza); and Vanihep (vaniprevir, ribavirin and pegylated interferon alpha-2a) were approved for treatment of HCV-1 [55]. In July 2015, daclatasvir dihydrochloride (Daklinza) which specifically binds to HCV replication associated nonstructural protein NS5A, was approved in combination with sofosbuvir for the treatment of HCV-3 infection [56,57]. In January 2016, another fixed-dose combination drug, Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir) was approved for the treatment of HCV-1 or HCV-4 infection with or without cirrhosis [58,59]. Elbasvir inhibits NS5A protein activity while grazoprevir inhibits NS3/4A protease activity.

In August 2017, FDA approved the use of Mavyret, a combination drug of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir against all six genotypes of HCV, for eight to twelve weeks duration [[60], [61], [62]]. Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir blocks replication/multiplication of HCV by inhibiting the activities of NS3/4A protease and NS5A protein, respectively. Mavyret is very effective and three tablets a day with food is recommended.

Hepatitis B virus infections

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to Hepadnaviridae family, and exists in eight major genotypes with a double-stranded, circular DNA (dsDNA) genome [7]. HBV is also transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other body fluids i.e., sharing needles, syringes, or sexual contact, or from mother to child at birth. In 2016, WHO reported that 27 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B viral infection.

The following drugs were approved by FDA to treat HBV infections, viz., (pegylated) interferons (Intron A, Pegasys), adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), entecavir (Baraclude), telbivudine (Tyzeka), lamivudine (Epivir-HBV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (Viread) and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) (Vemlidy) (Table 1). The nucleoside analogues, entecavir and telbivudine were exclusively prescribed for the treatment of HBV infections unlike lamivudine and TDF which are also used for HIV inhibition. The biochemical, histological and virological analysis in HBV patients showed entecavir has higher efficacy and less drug resistance on long-term use than lamivudine [[63], [64], [65]]. In addition, the other nucleoside analogue, telbivudine also showed better inhibition of HBV DNA polymerase than lamivudine in the clinical trials [[66], [67], [68]]. Further, entecavir is strongly recommended to use over telbivudine, mainly for children between 2 and 12 years of age, on terms of its safety. However, considering the high costs of the drugs, lamivudine - the reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is generally used in first-line remedy against HBV infections irrespective of its higher pace of drug resistance [69]. Currently there are no combination drug therapies are available for the treatment of HBV infections.

Influenza virus infections

The influenza viruses belong to Orthomyxoviridae family with a linear, negative-sense ssRNA genome [70] and are divided into three types: A, B and C. The flu pandemics such as Spanish flu (1918), Asian flu (1957), Hong Kong flu (1968) [71] and Swine flu (2009) [72] were caused by Influenza A viruses.

Till April 2020, FDA approved nine antiviral drugs for the treatment of influenza infections, which include two matrix 2 (M2) ion channels inhibitors, four neuraminidase inhibitors, two polymerase inhibitors and one endonuclease inhibitor (Fig. 3) (Table 1). M2 transmembrane proteins forms proton channels in the viral envelope to maintain pH across the viral membrane during cell entry and across the trans-Golgi membrane of infected cells during viral maturation [73,74]. Neuraminidase assists the maturation stage of influenza infection by cleaving sialic acids from the host cell receptors and from hemagglutinin and neuraminidase on the surface of nascent virions. This process prevents virion aggregation and helps the release of progeny virions by stopping virus binding back to the dying host cell [75,76]. Amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) targets virus uncoating inside the endosomes by blocking the H+ ions passage into the viral particles through M2 channels [77,78]. The prescription of amantadine was discontinued due to high resistance viruses against its activity.

The viral neuraminidase inhibitors include zanamivir (Relenza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), laninamivir octanoate (Inavir), and peramivir (Rapivab). Inhalation of zanamivir interestingly, prevents the release of viral particles from host cells by targeting viral neuraminidase [79]. Oseltamivir phosphate is recommended for oral intake to treat acute, uncomplicated influenza [80]. Peramivir which is administered as intravenous injection [81] shows similar efficacy as that of oseltamivir, and prescribed as a therapy for severe seasonal influenza [82]. On the other hand, inhalation of laninamivir octanoate exhibited much effectiveness in seasonal influenza treatment, even including the oseltamivir-resistant adult patients [83].

The triphosphate form of ribavirin (Virazole) and favipiravir (Avigan) efficiently inhibits influenza RNA polymerase activity [84]. Favipiravir was approved in Japan for the treatment of infections by influenza A, B, and C viruses as it can inhibit RNA polymerases of diverse influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses [[85], [86], [87]]; and several other positive/negative-sense RNA viruses [88]. Further, baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) approved in October 2018 selectively inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease of viruses that in turn prevents RNA polymerase activity of influenza virus and its mRNA replication [89,90].

Herpes simplex virus infections

Herpes simplex virus belongs to the Simplex virus genus in the Herpesviridae family. HSV contains a linear dsDNA genome and classified into HSV-1 and HSV-2 [91]. HSV-1 is a highly prevalent pathogen which causes oral herpes infections [92] while HSV-2 is sexually transmitted and causes genital herpes infections [93]. According to WHO, in 2017, 3.7 billion people under 50 years and 417 million people aged between 15 and 49 years are living with HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, respectively.

Idoxuridine (Dendrid) was the first drug reported to possess antiviral properties [94] and approved to treat hepatic eye infections caused by HSV in 1963 (Table 1) [95]. In 1980, trifluridine (Viroptic) was used for HSV infections treatment [96]. The phosphorylated forms of these deoxyuridine analogues inhibit viral and cellular DNA replication, thus the multiplication of HSV. After 20 years, brivudine, a thymidine analogue with high specific activity against HSV-1 and VZV than idoxuridine and trifluridine was approved for HSV infections treatment [[97], [98], [99]]. The 5′-phosphorylated brivudine inhibits viral DNA synthesis by targeting viral DNA polymerase. Brivudine is used as eye drops to treat epithelial keratitis caused by HSV-1 infection. Vidarabine (Vira-A), a nucleoside analogue inhibiting viral DNA polymerase was withdrawn from the market.

Docosanol (Abreva), a topical cream was approved in 2000 to treat HSV infections. The clinical studies showed that treatment with 10% docosanol cream is safe and effective; and reduces curing time of herpes labialis [100]. Currently, docosanol remains the only non-prescription medication to treat cold sores and fever blisters. In addition, 1% penciclovir (Denavir) and 5% acyclovir (Zovirax) creams are the two available prescription topical agents [101]. The acyclic guanosine analogues, famciclovir (Famvir), valacyclovir hydrochloride (Valtrex) and penciclovir (Denavir) were the oral antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of orolabial herpes and genital herpes infections [[101], [102], [103]].

Human papillomavirus infections

Human papillomavirus belongs to Papillomaviridae family and comprises closed circular dsDNA as genome [104]. HPV is classified into >100 types based on the sequence variation in L1 protein [105]. HPV infections account for nearly 5% of the cancers in human which include cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, etc. Further, 71% of global cervical cancer cases are caused by two of the HPV strains viz., HPV-16 and HPV-18 [106,107]. In 2012, 630,000 new HPV-related cancers were reported in women, of which 530,000 (84%) were suffering with cervical cancer. It was estimated that 266,000 (8%) deaths occurred worldwide.

Interferon alpha-2b (Intron A) was the first FDA approved large molecule for antiviral therapy (Table 1). It is a mixture of human interferon alpha proteins used in the treatment of genital warts for its immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and antiviral properties since 1988. The recombinant interferon alpha N3 (Alferon N) was recommended for HPV infections in 1997. The antimitotic compound podofilox (Condylox) was recommended for the treatment of external genital warts [108]. Podofilox is a cytotoxic drug that interrupts the viral cell division by inhibiting the mitotic spindle formation at metaphase [109,110].

Imiquimod 5% (Aldara) cream was approved in 1997 for the topical treatment of HPV-associated infections i.e., genital and perianal warts, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis [111,112]. Imiquimod induces macrophages to secrete cytokines i.e., INF-α, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 to clear the external warts [111,113]. In 2006, sinecatechin 15% (Veregen) ointment, a botanical drug (catechins purified from Chinese green tea) was approved for the treatment of external genital warts [114,115].

Respiratory syncytial virus infections

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, containing a linear, single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome [116], with two antigenic subtypes: A and B.

The FDA approved RSV-IGIV (RespiGam), a human immunoglobulin to treat RSV in 1996. These antibodies prevent binding of RSV particles to host cells by inhibiting the viral surface glycoproteins G and F [117]. However, it was discontinued from clinical use due to high cost and strict guidelines of usage. Later in 1998, a cost-effective monoclonal antibody, Palivizumab (Synagis) was licensed to treat the infants at risk of contracting severe RSV infections (Table 1). Palivizumab targets the epitope in the A antigenic site of RSV fusion (F) protein and prevents binding to host cells [118,119].

FDA approved the broad-spectrum antiviral agent, ribavirin (Virazole) in 1985 to target the viral RNA polymerase activity by inhibiting inosine-5′-monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase which is needed for de novo synthesis of GTP [120].

Human cytomegalovirus infections

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) contains a linear double-stranded DNA genome and classified into four genotypes based on the variation in the sequence of glycoprotein B encoding gene UL55 [121,122].

Ganciclovir (Cytovene) was the first drug approved for the treatment of HCMV associated infections [123]. Another acyclic guanosine analogue, valganciclovir (Valcyte) showed better recovery than ganciclovir [124]. Foscarnet (Foscavir) although shows good response, its usage is limited due to the high toxicity levels during long term treatment [125]. All these drugs including the discontinued drug cidofovir (Vistide) reduces viral infection by blocking the viral DNA synthesis through inhibition of its DNA polymerase.

Fomivirsen (Vitravene) is the only antiviral oligonucleotide (Table 1) approved for the treatment of HCMV-induced retinitis in the patients who are infected with AIDS by administering as an intravitreal injection [126,127]. This antisense drug binds to the DNA of HCMV and inhibits the expression of crucial proteins [128]. This drug was discontinued for the commercial reasons. Approved in 2017, Letermovir (Prevymis) inhibits the DNA terminase complex (pUL51, pUL56, and pUL89) of HCMV [129,130]. This inhibition interferes with viral DNA processing, packaging and virion maturation.

Varicella-zoster virus infections

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) belongs to the Varicellovirus genus in the Herpesviridae family. VZV carries a linear, double-stranded DNA genome [131] and classified into five clades, 1–5, which comprises of 9 genotypes. The transmission of VZV is airborne, occurs mostly through aerosols and droplets or lesions (cell-free airborne virus). VZV infections primarily cause chickenpox (varicella) and as immunity declines, it causes shingles or herpes zoster (a painful skin rash) [132].

The viral DNA polymerase inhibitor, brivudine (Zostex) was approved for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) in 2000 [97,98]. Vidarabine, a nucleoside analogue, also inhibits VZV DNA polymerase activity [133].

In 1981, FDA approved VZIG, immunoglobulin antibodies drug to be used for treatment of patients with VZV infections [134] and it was discontinued in 2004 after 2 decades of use. In 2012, VariZIG, another human plasma monoclonal antibodies drug (Table 1) was approved for the treatment of VZV-infected patients with compromised immunity, through intramuscular injection [135,136].

Major viral pandemics in 21st century

Swine flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza type A virus, the subtypes include H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3 [137,138]. The 2009 influenza pandemic was caused by a novel H1N1 strain, which was first recognized at the border between Mexico and United States in April 2009. This pandemic affected >214 countries and caused over 18,449 deaths [139].

Currently, four different antiviral drugs - oseltamivir, peramivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir marboxil are recommended for the treatment of influenza [[140], [141], [142]]. The mechanism of antiviral function of these drugs are discussed above (Section 2.4 Influenza virus infections).

Ebola virus

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a deadly disease with occasional outbreaks that mostly affects people and other primates such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The virus is believed to be animal-borne, and transmitted to humans initially through direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of animals; among humans, it spreads through contact with infected body fluids, and gets in through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth. The outbreak of EVD during 2014–2016 in West Africa [143,144] was the largest and most complex since the virus was first discovered, with more cases and deaths compared to all other outbreaks combined.

Currently, there is no antiviral drug approved by the FDA to treat Ebola virus infected people. The nucleoside analogues, favipiravir was considered for the treatment of EVD, however, the drug trials suggested its failure to counter the virus, particularly, in patients with very high viral loads [145]. ZMapp, a cocktail of three monoclonal antibodies was tested during West Africa Ebola outbreak. The outcome of this randomized, controlled trial did not show required efficacy [146]. Remdesivir (GS-5734), a nucleotide analogue RNA polymerase inhibitor was identified to possess antiviral activity against multiple variants of Ebola virus [147].

During the 2018 outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, four investigational drugs viz., ZMapp (triple monoclonal antibody), remdesivir (antiviral agent), MAb114 (single monoclonal antibody) and REGN-EB3 (triple monoclonal antibody), were used for the treatment of EVD. Two of these drugs, REGN-EB3 and MAb114, proved to be superior therapeutic agents against Ebola virus disease, with much higher survival of patients [148]. These two antiviral drugs currently remain in use for the treatment of Ebola patients [149].

On 19 December 2019, FDA approved a single dose vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) which is safe and protective against only Zaire ebolavirus species [150]. Another investigational vaccine comprising two components Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo was developed and introduced to combat Ebola outbreak (Zaire ebolavirus only) in the DRC. This vaccine was prescribed to be administered in two doses, with initial dose followed by a second “booster” dose after 56 days [151,152].

Coronaviruses

Till today, seven coronavirus species are reported to infect humans. The human coronaviruses include 229E, OC43, NL63, HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The viral species 229E and NL63 belong to alpha-coronavirus genera while OC43, HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are beta-coronavirus. The coronaviruses 229E, OC43, NL63 and HKU1 have been infecting human populations for hundreds of years causing common cold and mild respiratory illness [153]. On the other hand, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are recently emerged (21st century) and causes severe respiratory illness that might lead to death, if not treated [14,154,155].

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is the first pandemic of the 21st century. In late 2002, people with a life-threatening respiratory disease were reported from Guangdong Province, China [154,156]. Later the same was reported from Vietnam, Canada, Hong Kong and worldwide where severe respiratory illness spread among the household members and health care workers [[157], [158], [159]]. In March 2003, this disease was designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which caused >8000 infections, with ~10% mortality. The causative agent of SARS was characterized as a novel coronavirus [[160], [161], [162], [163]]. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is most likely originated in wild bats with palm civets and raccoon dogs acting as zoonotic intermediates in transmission to humans [164,165]. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory secretions.

The 2002–2003 SARS-CoV outbreak was controlled solely by using public-health measures, such as wearing surgical masks, washing hands well, and quarantining the infected people. Human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV was prevented by July 2003. However, as the virus lives in wild bats and civets, future outbreaks are still possible [166].

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus was first isolated from a patient and reported in September 2012, who died of severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure in June 2012 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [155,167,168]. Since 2012, MERS-CoV spread beyond the Middle East, across 27 countries [169]. According to WHO, till January 2020, 2519 people were confirmed with MERS-CoV infection and 866 people were dead, globally [170]. Like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV is also zoonotic in origin with camels and bats acting as its reservoirs [[171], [172], [173], [174]]. Human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV occurred in health-care settings and family clusters due to close contact and not following adequate practices for prevention and control of infections [[175], [176], [177]].

Treatment of SARS and MERS

Treatment practices for coronaviral diseases, SARS and MERS, included the repurposing of some of the safe antiviral drugs such as remdesivir, lopinavir-ritonavir, interferons. Remdesivir (GS-5734), a nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral RNA polymerase showed antiviral activity against different viral families such as Filoviridae, Pneumoviridae, Paramyxoviridae and Coronaviridae [147,178,179]. Studies using human airway epithelial (HAE) cell cultures demonstrated that remdesivir could decrease the growth of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV as it reduced the viral titers and viral RNA in in vitro models [178]. Additionally, remdesivir had similar effects against other diverse CoVs including HCoV-NL63 and Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) [180]. Further, treatment of MA15 SARS-CoV infected mice with remdesivir showed ameliorated disease signs (weight loss, lung viral titers) [178]. These results support the use of remdesivir as a therapeutic drug against coronaviruses.

The HIV-1 protease inhibitor, lopinavir-ritonavir (Kaletra) showed inhibitory activity against 3CLpro of SARS-CoV [181]. Lopinavir-ritonavir in combination with ribavirin decreased viral load and clinical manifestations of death in SARS patients [182]. The oral administration of lopinavir-ritonavir in marmoset model of MERS-CoV infection improved the disease condition [[183], [184], [185]]. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, a clinical trial (MIRACLE trial) is under progress to investigate the efficacy of the combination therapy of lopinavir/ritonavir and recombinant Interferon-β1b in laboratory confirmed, hospitalized MERS patients [186,187]. Studies involving monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as therapeutics suggested the need of targeting several conserved viral epitopes using multiple mAbs, as the mutations help viral escape [188].

Further, host mechanisms that are used by coronaviruses are targeted. The host proteases such as furin, cathepsins and TMPRSS2, process the S-glycoproteins on the virus surface to help its entry into host cells. Inhibition of these host proteins activity blocked the entry of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV into host cells [[189], [190], [191]]. However, as different coronaviruses vary in their S-glycoprotein, they require different host proteases for the entry into host cells. So, the treatment regimens should comprise combination of host protease inhibitors, in particular to counter the emergence of new coronaviruses. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory interferons (IFNs) are employed for the treatment of coronavirus infection. Type I interferons treatment against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV proved to be effective in in vitro and in vivo primate models [[192], [193], [194]]. Often, IFNs will be administered in combination therapies along with ribavirin and lopinavir-ritonavir [193,195].

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

In December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of occurrence of cluster of pneumonia cases with unknown cause in Wuhan, Hubei province of China [14,15]. The causative agent of this disease condition was identified as a new strain of coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on 07 January 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and currently it has infected people throughout the world [15,196,197]. On 30 January 2020, following the recommendations of the Emergency Committee, the Director-General of WHO declared that the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Later, on 11 March 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic based on the reported illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 in over 110 countries and territories around the world and the risk of further global spread. As on 8 January 2021, 86,749,940 people were infected in 235 countries and 1,890,342 deaths occurred globally [198].

There are different levels of research activities from computational investigations to clinical trials using FDA approved drugs, and development of vaccines to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and its multiplication. In order to tackle the immediate global challenge, studies have focused on drug repurposing, an emerging strategy where existing safe medicines, are redeployed [199,200]. Repurposing the existing drugs can be less risky, more cost effective and time savior. The polypharmacology nature of a drug i.e., an off-target in addition to the biological target may present prospects in treating other disorders. Systems biology linked with polypharmacological assessments helps in identifying beneficial off-target activity that can be utilized for drug repurposing. Chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, is effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection by interfering the virus entry step [201] and clinical trials are in progress to test the efficacy and safety of chloroquine phosphate [202]. The nucleotide analogue remdesivir inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity of SARS-CoV-2 and blocks viral genome replication [201,203]. A single case study was reported where treatment with remdesivir [203] for 7 days showed improvement in a patient health without adverse effects; and the viral PCR was negative for the virus after one day of therapy. Later, Japan approved the use of remdesivir for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 patients which showed shortened recovery time of the infected patients [204,205]. Besides, the American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences announced the clinical trials for the remdesivir with positive response in the recovery time of the patient [206]. Interestingly, recent studies suggested the possible resistance of SASRS-CoV-2 to remdesivir. Exploration of Ebola virus resistance to remdesivir showed the mutation F548S in the F-motif of viral polymerase active site confers resistance. Homology modeling of F-motif showed that it is similar to structural motif containing resistance mutations in coronaviruses [180,207]. Another study using a rational ligand-based interface design complemented with mutational mapping revealed the effect of mutations in nsp12 subunit of RdRp on its function. The results suggested that very few mutations at the remdesivir-binding site of nsp12 could cause resistance in SARS-CoV-2 against remdesivir [208]. Interestingly, the results of interim WHO solidarity clinical trial showed that the repurposed antiviral drugs – remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and interferon β1α have little or no effect on hospitalized patients with Covid-19, as indicated by overall mortality, initiation of ventilation, and duration of hospital stay [209].

There have been diverse strategies in application to develop potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, however, there is no drug approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, globally. The host binding SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein which shares high homology with that of SARS-CoV, found to be a potent therapeutic target for inhibition with CR3022, a SARS-CoV antibody [210]. However, >85% variation in receptor binding domain (RBD) epitopes of S-glycoprotein suggest the need for the development of new monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 [211]. The entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells was also targeted [[212], [213], [214]]. The clinical study planned to investigate the effect of recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) on SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is now withdrawn without CDE approval [215]. Camostat mesylate against the host serine protease TMPRSS2 significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung cell line [216]. The clathrin-mediated virus endocytosis regulating host kinase, AP-2-associated protein kinase 1 (AAK1) [217] was targeted with baricitinib (Janus kinase inhibitor). Baricitinib was expected to be a suitable drug candidate as standard doses are efficient in inhibiting AAK1 [218]. Arbidol which inhibits the fusion of virus and host cell membranes, is used as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor. Additionally, the main protease (3CLpro or Mpro) which performs the proteolytic processing of viral polyproteins is also targeted with lopinavir and ritonavir [219].

Further, development of therapies under progress to counter the hyperinflammatory condition in some SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Although low-dose corticosteroid treatment in a subset of critically ill patients showed potential benefits [220], more studies are required on corticosteroids usage. Inhibition of interleukin 6 (IL-6) which is overexpressed during inflammation, with tocilizumab (an IL-6 receptor-specific antibody) is under clinical study (ChiCTR2000029765, NCT04324021, TOCOVID-19). Recently, the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid dexamethasone showed to reduce the effect of SARS-CoV-2 in seriously ill persons [[221], [222], [223]]. Furthermore, a recent study [224] identified 66 druggable human proteins in SARS-CoV-2 and study the effectiveness of 69 reported FDA drugs, drugs in clinical trials and/or preclinical compounds, in live SARS-CoV-2 infection assays. Currently, there are several other drugs are in clinical trials as monotherapies and combination therapies for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection [[225], [226], [227], [228], [229]]. In addition, the convalescent plasma from recovered patients, which serves as source of specific human antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is under clinical investigation to determine its efficacy and safety in transfusion to SARS-CoV-2 patients (ChiCTR2000030010, ChiCTR2000030179 and ChiCTR2000030381).

Furthermore, several research works are in progress to develop potent vaccines [230]. Development of a vaccine involves antigen identification and development of an appropriate delivery system to achieve robust cellular and humoral immunity. Currently, few vaccines are authorized/approved against SARS-CoV-2 in some countries. BioNTech and Pfizer developed lipid nanoparticle formulated, nucleoside modified mRNA-based vaccine, BNT162b2 was authorized/approved in United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, Mexico, US, Singapore, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, European Union. BNT162b2 is injected intramuscularly in two doses 21 days apart, to induce immune response against SARS-CoV-2, by encoding a mutated form of the full spike protein of the virus. The Phase 3 clinical trials on 43,448 participants showed that BNT162b2 is 95% effective [231]. mRNA-1273 is another lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA-based vaccine, expressing the prefusion-stabilized spike glycoprotein, was developed by Moderna and the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). It is a two-dose vaccine administered intramuscularly 28 days apart and showed 94.1% efficacy in preventing Covid-19 illness [232]. mRNA-1273 vaccine was authorized/approved in the US and Canada.

The Health Ministry of the Russian Federation approved Sputnik V as the first vaccine for COVID-19. Sputnik V is a non-replicating adenoviral vector vaccine, currently in Phase 3 trial in Russia and internationally (NCT04530396, NCT04564716) and also approved its use in Bolivia, Argentina, Serbia and Belarus [233,234]. China approved the use of inactivated vaccines CoronaVac developed by Sinovac Biotech, and BBIBP-CorV developed by Sinopharm for high-risk individuals such as health care workers and essential personnel. Currently Phase 3 trials are in progress (NCT04456595, NCT04582344, ChiCTR2000034780, NCT04560881) [235,236]. AZD1222 is a non-replicating vaccine based on chimpanzee adenovirus called ChAdOx1 that expresses SARS-CoV-2-5 surface glycoprotein, developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca [[237], [238], [239], [240]]. The United Kingdom approved the use of this vaccine on 30 December 2020 [241]. On January 3, 2021, India approved Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV). Covaxin is the Indigenous, inactivated vaccine currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in 26,000 participants [242].

Conclusions

This article provides information about the strategic developments of different antiviral agents that have been used/using to inhibit the growth of viral infections in humans, to provide comprehensive idea on the up-to-date FDA approved antiviral drugs. Although these drugs show effective inhibitory activities on the viral infections, research should be focused on developing clinical strategies to completely cure the infections. The efficient antiviral drugs i) should resist the drug resistance developed by viruses on long-term application, ii) should tackle the effects of integrated viral DNA in the human genome, iii) should be able to treat co-infections by different viruses, iv) should avoid interactions between drugs in the combination drug treatments to prevent adverse effects, and v) should be cost-effective and cause low-toxicity in patients. The cases like resistance of coronaviruses to remdesivir can be overcome by incorporating nucleos(t)ide analogue triphosphates (NA-TPs) by RdRp faster than the excision rate of nucleos(t)ide analogue monophosphates (NA-MPs) by exonuclease (ExoN). Studies analysing the difference in mechanism of RdRp and ExoN activity in recognition, incorporation of different NA-TPs and excision of NA-MPs would provide crucial insights to design novel NAs. Further, coupling the inhibitors of ExoN with NAs may be a better option to reduce the potential of viral escape. Furthermore, the multitudinous virus population that infects humans across the globe emphasizes the need for extensive and effective research to develop novel antiviral therapeutics to counter the existing viral infections, newly emerging infections like SARS-CoV-2 and the outbreak of new viruses in future.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.