Antiviral drugs

Cidofovir

Class: Viral DNA polymerase inhibitor
Status: Under testing, emergency use possible
Target: Viral DNA polymerase
Administration: Injection
Notes: Repurposed drug approved against herpes viruses. It inhibits viral replication by selectively inhibiting viral DNA polymerases. It also incorporates into viral DNA, inhibiting viral DNA synthesis during replication.

Brincidofovir (Tembexa)

Class: Viral DNA polymerase inhibitor
Status: Approved (FDA 2021)
Target: Viral DNA polymerase
Administration: Oral
Notes: Is a prodrug of cidifovir. The compound conjugated to a lipid is designed to facilitates entry into cells, allowing higher intracellular and lower plasma concentrations.

Tecovirimat (ST-256)

Class: viral phospholipase inhibitor
Status: Approved (FDA 2018)
Administration: Oral
Target: Envelope phospholipase F13
Notes: Prevents the second envelopment of the mature virion in the Golgi, preventing cell-to-cell transmission of the virus.