Influenza B Inhibitors

The chemical class known as Influenza B inhibitors encompasses a group of compounds that have been specifically designed or discovered to target the Influenza B virus, one of the types of influenza viruses that cause seasonal flu in humans. These inhibitors are essential in the fight against influenza infections and play a critical role in controlling viral spread and mitigating the impact of outbreaks on public health. Influenza B inhibitors typically act by targeting specific viral components or enzymes crucial for viral replication and propagation within the host.

One prominent class of Influenza B inhibitors includes neuraminidase inhibitors, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These work by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme, which is essential for the release of newly formed viral particles from infected cells. By blocking neuraminidase activity, these inhibitors the spread of the virus within the respiratory tract and reduce the severity and duration of influenza. Another class of Influenza B inhibitors includes compounds that target the viral RNA polymerase, an enzyme responsible for viral RNA replication and transcription. Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) is a notable example of a polymerase acidic (PA) endonuclease inhibitor. By inhibiting this essential enzyme, baloxavir disrupts viral replication, thereby limiting viral load and curbing the progression of the infection.Emapunil (XEN-D0501) is an investigational compound that targets the PB1 subunit of the influenza RNA polymerase, another target for inhibiting viral replication.