Inhibitors of influenza virus neuraminidase.

All these compounds have chiral carbons, hence it is important to examine them in three dimensions as to appreciate their structure in detail.

Oseltamivir

Administered as ethyl ester (the prodrug), since it is orally absorbed better than the free acid, which is the active drug.

Tamiflu®

As an analog of sialic acid, it binds the active site in viral neuraminidase.

Laninamivir

The octanoate is a very lipophylic compound used as long-term antiviral –a `depot´ formulation- and slowly releases the alcohol which is the active drug. It was marketed in 2010. It is administered intranasally in a single dose.

Inavir®

Zanamivir

Relenza®

As an analog of sialic acid, it binds the active site in viral neuraminidase.

Peramivir

It was marketed in 2010.

PeramiFlu®

It has 5 chiral centres: (1S,2S,3S,4R)-3-[(1S)-1-acetamido-2-ethylbutyl]-4-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-2-hydroxycyclopentanecarboxilic acid