Sandesh Shelke*
Vedant Shivange
Dr. Avinash Darekar
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
10.5281/zenodo.15257666