Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of antiviral drug development and significantly influenced the pharmaceutical industry's approach to managing infectious diseases. Innovations in antiviral research during the pandemic, such as the rapid development of mRNA vaccines and the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery, have paved the way for new therapeutic strategies. The challenges of antiviral resistance, global access to medications, and regulatory hurdles are further complicated by the rapid mutation of viruses. This review outlines the key innovations and challenges in antiviral drug development post-COVID-19, with a focus on the role of pharmacists in ensuring effective drug use and public health. Additionally, it presents a forward-looking perspective on how the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic will guide future antiviral research and preparedness for emerging viral diseases.
Keywords
Antiviral drugs, COVID-19, mRNA technology, Drug repurposing, CRISPR-Cas9, Artificial intelligence in drug discovery, Monoclonal antibodies, Nano bodies, Antiviral resistance, Global health equity, Regulatory challenges, Pharmacist's role, Personalized medicine, One Health approach, Viral mutation prediction
Introduction
The emergence of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, in late 2019 led to a global pandemic that exposed major gaps in the preparedness and response capabilities for infectious diseases. The need for rapid therapeutic interventions was urgent, as countries around the world faced significant healthcare challenges. Although vaccines became the cornerstone of the global response to COVID-19, antiviral drugs are essential for managing infections, especially in cases of breakthrough infections and for individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to contraindications or compromised immune systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of antiviral drug development in the post-COVID era, examining the innovations, challenges, and future directions in the field. It emphasizes the critical role of pharmacists in the stewardship of antiviral drugs and in ensuring that these therapies are used appropriately in clinical settings. Furthermore, it explores how the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic can shape antiviral drug development and preparedness strategies for future viral outbreaks.
2. Historical Overview of Antiviral Drug Development
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Sandesh Shelke
Corresponding author
K. V. N. Naik college of pharmacy Canada Corner, Nashik
Vedant Shivange
Co-author
K. V. N. Naik college of pharmacy Canada Corner, Nashik
Dr. Avinash Darekar
Co-author
K. V. N. Naik college of pharmacy Canada Corner, Nashik
Sandesh Shelke*, Vedant Shivange, Dr. Avinash Darekar, Antiviral Drug Development in The Post-COVID Era: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Perspectives in Pharmacy, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (4), 510-517. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15257666
10.5281/zenodo.15257666
