Antiviral Therapeutics - Technologies, Markets and Companies

DUBLIN, January 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fmzb68/antiviral) has announced the addition of a new report "Antiviral Therapeutics - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to their offering. 

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This report reviews the current state-of-art of antiviral approaches including vaccines, pharmaceuticals and innovative technologies for delivery of therapeutics. The introduction starts with a practical classification of viral diseases according to their commercial importance. Various antiviral approaches are described including pharmaceuticals and molecular biological therapies such as gene therapy and RNA interference (RNAi) as well as vaccines for virus infections. Expert opinion is given about the current problems and needs in antiviral therapy. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of antiviral approaches is presented against the background of concept of an ideal antiviral agent.

A novel feature of this report is the use of nanotechnology in virology and its potential for antiviral therapeutics. Interaction of nanoparticles with viruses are described. NanoViricides are polymeric micelles, which act as nanomedicines to destroy viruses. Various methods for local as well as systemic delivery of antiviral agents and vaccines are described. Nanobiotechnology plays an important role in improving delivery of antivirals. Advantages and limitations of delivery of gene-based, antisense and RNAi antiviral therapeutics are discussed.

Anti-influenza measures applicable to human as well as avian forms are described including the recent epidemic of swine flu. Resistance can develop against neuraminidase inhibitors although it is less than that with adamantanes. Considering these problems, there is need for a more effective agent. Investigations into alternative anti-influenza target will probably expand in the coming years. These include the development of mechanisms to inhibit fusion between the virus envelope and the cell membrane.

After a discussion of current therapies of AIDS/HIV and their limitations, new strategies in development of antiviral agents are described. Drug resistance and toxicities are emerging as major treatment challenges. Based on a review of technologies and drugs in development, it can be stated that there are good prospects are of finding a cure for HIV/AIDS in the next decade.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Virology 

2. Antiviral Approaches 

3. Vaccines for Virus Infections 

4. Role of Nanotechnology in Developing Antiviral Agents

5. Delivery of Antivirals 

6. Competitive Assessment of Antiviral Approaches 

7. Influenza Viruses

8. AIDS/HIV 

9. Hepatitis Viruses 

10. Miscellaneous Commercially Important Virus Infections 

11. Viruses with High Impact but Low Commercial Significance 

12. Markets for Antivirals 

13. Companies

14. References 

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fmzb68/antiviral 

Media Contact: Laura Wood, +353-1-481-1716, press@researchandmarkets.net