Pyrimidine Analogs: Promising Antiviral Therapies for Orthopoxvirus Infections

Orthopoxvirus infections pose a significant threat to human health. The search for effective therapies has led to the identification of various antiviral molecules, with pyrimidine analogs emerging as promising candidates.

Early research revealed the antiviral activity of pyrimidine analogs like 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (idoxuridine, IDU) against various orthopoxviruses. IDU demonstrated efficacy both in vitro and in animal models.

Recent studies have explored additional analogs with enhanced antiviral properties. These include deoxyuridine derivatives with bulky substituents at the 5 position and analogs featuring modifications in the deoxyribose moiety, such as (north)-methanocarbathymidine and 5-iodo-4'-thio-2'-deoxyuridine (4'-thioIDU).

Among these, 4'-thioIDU has shown particularly promising results, exhibiting potent antiviral activity against orthopoxviruses in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Its efficacy and safety profile make it a strong contender for development as a human therapeutic.