Antiviral agents

Antihistamine could be used as a cheaper hepatitis C therapy, study suggests

An anti-allergy treatment is effective in treating hepatitis C virus, a study has found, raising hopes of an affordable weapon in the fight against the virus. …

Viral cell entry holds clue to effective treatment of Ebola

Scientists have identified an important pathway used by the Ebola virus to gain entry into cells that may lead to new therapeutic approaches.…

Rolling out hepatitis C treatments will be costly

The new generation of heptatitis C antivirals is highly effective, but the drugs’ expense will put pressure on healthcare providers.…

Targeting disease in the developing world

A new report by the Access to Medicine Index finds that pharmaceutical companies influence access to medicines in developing countries through the development of innovative and adapted products, operating equitable pricing strategies and building local capacity.…

New roles explored for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

New research suggests nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) have intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome.…

UNAIDS sets target of 90% of people with HIV receiving treatment by 2020

A fast-track approach is needed over the next five years for the AIDS epidemic to cease to be a global health threat by 2030, according to a report by UNAIDS released on 18 November 2014.…

Public Health England reminds prescribers of effectiveness of antivirals for flu

Doctors have been instructed to prescribe antivirals for patients with severe influenza and not to be swayed by data showing that these drugs may not be effective.…

Contaminated batches of Zovirax eye ointment recalled

Contaminated batches of Zovirax (aciclovir) eye ointment are being recalled after metal particles were found in an ingredient used in its manufacture.…

Investigating treatment strategies for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Researchers are investigating a number of ways to combat the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, including using existing drugs.…

European Medicines Agency to review Ebola therapies

Experimental Ebola treatments are to be reviewed by the European Medicines Agency as part of the international response to the disease outbreak in West Africa.…