umifenovir

Umifenovir is an indole-based, hydrophobic, broad-spectrum antiviral drug approved in Russia and China for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A and B, as well as other acute respiratory viral infections. It has demonstrated activity against a wide range of both RNA and DNA viruses, including flaviviruses (such as Zika virus), hepatitis B and C viruses, chikungunya virus, reovirus, Hantaan virus, coxsackie virus B5, Lassa virus, Ebola virus, herpes simplex virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, and is under investigation for COVID-19. The primary mechanism of action involves inhibition of membrane fusion between the viral envelope and host cell membranes by intercalating into membrane lipids. This prevents viral entry into target cells by stabilizing viral glycoproteins (e.g., hemagglutinin in influenza) in a non-fusogenic state. Umifenovir also exhibits immunomodulatory effects by stimulating humoral immune responses (including interferon production) and enhancing phagocytic function of macrophages[1][2][4][6].

Brand names

Arbidol

Other names

ethyl 6-bromo-4-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(phenylsulfanylmethyl)indole-3-carboxylateUmifenovir [INN]