Umifenovir . HCl [Arbidol]

Background:

Umifenovir is a broad-spectrum, indole-based antiviral compound that blocks viral fusion with target membranes, prohibiting viral entry into cells. Fusion between the viral envelope (surrounding the viral capsid) and the cell membrane of the target cell is inhibited. This prevents viral entry to the target cell and therefore protects it from infection. Umifenovir targets a common critical step for viral replication and therefore it is effective against numerous viruses, including influenza A, B and C and hepatitis B and C. Recent studies indicate that umifenovir also has in vitro effectiveness at preventing entry of Zika virus, Ebola virus, Tacaribe arenavirus and human herpes virus 8 in mammalian cell cultures. Clinical studies against SARS-CoV-2 are ongoing to test its efficacy and safety in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Besides its antiviral action, it has been reported to produce an immunomodulatory response by inducing interferon production and stimulating the phagocytic function of macrophages. It also displays anti-inflammatory activity.