Anti-Flavivirus Compounds for Zika Virus and Dengue Virus Infections

Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has recently re-emerged and spread across the Western Hemisphere after it had remained in relative obscurity for many years. Zika virial infection causes many of the same symptoms caused by dengue viruses or chikungunya virus. Unlike these viruses Zika virus causes congenital defects, including microcephaly, and is also associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in infected adults.

Through a combination of computational modeling and screening, a portfolio of 19 compounds has been identified which have antiviral activity against Zika virus. In some cases, these drugs have activity against Zika virus and dengue viral infections. These compounds may be used in new therapies for the treatment of infection with flaviviruses, such as Zika virus and dengue virus.