Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are nonenveloped viruses with linear double-stranded DNA. Though often self-limiting, they can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals. The compact genome of HAdV results in few viable drug targets, complicating efforts to develop new treatments. Consequently, antiviral options remain limited, with most candidates being nucleoside or nucleotide analogues.
The neurotropic alphavirus group includes Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV). These viruses exhibit a strong tropism for the CNS, often resulting in encephalitis. In some cases, infection can progress to severe neurological disease, including coma or death.
Antibiotics specialist Bioversys AG has sealed a potential CHF529 million (US$667.5 million) deal with Shionogi Co. Ltd., in which they will work together on novel ansamycins for treating multidrug-resistant lung infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
Researchers at Ehime University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine and Shizuoka University have disclosed compounds reported to be useful for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry has synthesized perylenylethynylphenol derivatives acting as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy reported to be useful for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).
Visceral leishmaniasis is a fatal disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, affecting organs such as the liver and spleen. Visceral leishmaniasis is considered a neglected tropical disease and is estimated to cause between 50,000 and 90,000 cases and around 70,000 deaths per year.