What Are the Challenges in Developing Antiviral Therapies?
Developing effective antiviral therapies is fraught with challenges. These include:
Viral Mutation: Viruses, especially RNA viruses, mutate rapidly, which can render antiviral drugs less effective over time. Drug Resistance: Overuse or misuse of antiviral drugs can lead to the development of drug-resistant viral strains. Safety and Efficacy: Ensuring that antiviral drugs are both safe and effective requires extensive clinical trials, which can be time-consuming and costly. Limited Spectrum: Many antiviral drugs are specific to particular viruses, limiting their use in treating emerging or less common viral infections.
