anonymous

http://www.praecis.com/rd/Targets/Aids.html

Clinical Targets - Multiple Viruses

Anitviral Antagonist

The development of antiviral agents has captured a worldwide market in
excess of $9.0 billion. Most antiviral therapeutics directly interfere
with components of viral entry, replication or assembly. However, this
therapeutic approach often leads to resistance, as the virus mutates,
overcomes the action of the drug and successfully enters the target cell
nucleus.

We have been working across a number of different approaches in pursuit
of potential antiviral therapies. For example, we are pursuing a novel
strategy targeting cellular pathways which would prevent/reduce viral
replication and thereby potentially avoid the problems of drug
resistance. Using our LEAP® technology, we have identified molecules
that cause an antiviral effect; preventing the viral replication,
against several different classes of viruses. We are currently testing
the activity of these compounds against a wider spectrum of viruses, and
are working on improving the potency of these molecules through the
medicinal chemistry step of the LEAP® process. If we are successful, the
use of these molecules could be developed for the treatment of a number
of different viral afflictions, such as influenza and respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV).