RECENT ADVANCES IN SIALIDASE INHIBITORS

Viruses and bacteria cause diseases of vast economic importance. Siali dase inhibitors offer an opportunity to prevent or ameliorate these di seases. They have been investigated ostensibly as antiviral agents par ticularly against influenza viruses. The patent literature covering si alidase inhibitor compounds, their design and synthesis is reviewed fr om 1995 to mid-1998 with reference to the primary scientific literatur e. Patents are discussed by company or institution. The importance of different compound types is indicated.