RATIONAL DESIGN OF POTENT SIALIDASE-BASED INHIBITORS OF INFLUENZA-VIRUS REPLICATION

Two potent inhibitors based on the crystal structure of influenza viru s sialidase have been designed. These compounds are effective inhibito rs not only of the enzyme, but also of the virus In cell culture and i n animal models. The results provide an example of the power of ration al, computer-assisted drug design, as well as indicating significant p rogress in the development of a new therapeutic or prophylactic treatm ent for influenza infection.