Arbidol hydrochloride (Russian: Арбидол) is an antiviral drug developed by the former Soviet Union Medicinal Chemistry Research Center. The main indication is influenza caused by influenza A and B viruses. Some other respiratory viral infections may also have antiviral activity.

Indications

The spatial structure of arbidol hydrochloride is similar to another famous anti-influenza drug "Tamiflu" (oseltamivir), and its synthesis route is shorter and cheaper, and its first synthesis time and first time to market are also far away. Earlier than Tamiflu, but the current clinical application and influence are far inferior to Tamiflu. This is because of the strong commercial operation capabilities of Roche Pharmaceuticals, the patent holder of Tamiflu, and the antiviral effect of Arbidol has not been recognized. There are reports that it is "very effective", while others The report expressed doubts about this.

The experimental and clinical reports of the drug are mainly from Russia and China. It is reported that its ability to inhibit avian influenza virus is as effective as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which means that it may be a more suitable for the public than Tamiflu. The ability to purchase more cost-effective drugs for the prevention and control of bird flu. There are even reports that it has shown anti-SARS virus activity in in vitro cell experiments.

There is evidence that Arbidol may be more effective in preventing RNA virus infection than DNA virus infection. Influenza virus is an RNA virus. Arbidol is also a candidate drug against hepatitis C (also an RNA virus).

Mechanism of action

Arbidol hydrochloride has the effect of an immunomodulator and also has special antiviral activity against influenza A and influenza B. It can prevent the influenza virus shell from contacting, adhering and fusing with the cell membrane of the host cell. On the other hand, it can also induce host cells to produce interferon, and stimulate humoral response and phagocytosis of macrophages.

side effect

The side effects of arbidol hydrochloride are mainly low-probability drug allergies. There is no report on the overdose, and the side effects of the combination with other drugs have not been reported.

Pharmacokinetics

Arbidol hydrochloride is mainly metabolized by the liver as a drug, and can be quickly distributed in various tissues and organs of the body. The excretion is mainly from the liver to the feces via bile, and the amount of excretion in urine is very small.