Drug resistance and possible therapeutic options against influenza A virus infection over past years

Abstract

Influenza A virus infection, commonly known as the flu, has persisted in the community for centuries. Although we have yearly vaccinations to prevent seasonal flu, there remains a dire need for antiviral drugs to treat active infections. The constantly evolving genome of the influenza A virus limits the number of effective antiviral therapeutic options. Over time, antiviral drugs become inefficient due to the development of resistance, as seen with adamantanes, which are now largely ineffective against most circulating strains of the virus. Neuraminidase inhibitors have long been the drug of choice, but due to selection pressure, strains are becoming resistant to this class of drugs. Baloxavir marboxil, a drug with a novel mode of action, can be used against strains resistant to other classes of drugs but is still not available in many countries. Deep research into nanoparticles has shown they are effective as antiviral drugs, opening a new avenue of research to use them as antiviral agents with novel modes of action. As this deadly virus, which has killed millions of people in the past, continues to develop resistance, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents with novel modes of action to halt active infections in patients. This review article covers the available therapeutic antiviral drug options with different modes of action, their effectiveness, and resistance to various strains of influenza A virus.