Antiviral drug discovery: Ten more compounds, and ten more stories (part B)

This review article that complements the previous review article on "The discovery of antiviral agents: ten different compounds, ten different stories" presents ten more compounds and ten more stories in which I have been closely involved at one or another point of my scientific career: (i) interferon (IFN) (in particular, IFN-beta); (ii) poly(I).poly(C); (iii) suramin; (iv) novel acyclic nucleoside phosphonates; (v) the double prodrug of [9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl)guanine]; (vi) cyclic nucleoside phosphonates; (vii) picornavirus inhibitors; (viii) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-receptor inhibitors; (ix) nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporin A analogues; and (x) bicyclic (furanopyrimidine) nucleoside analogues. With the exception of the HIV co-receptor CCR5 inhibitor none of the compounds described here have already been marketed (for the indication they were initially developed). Successful antiviral drug development depends on the interplay of three disciplines, chemistry, biology/medicine, and industry, crucial factors being open mindedness for the unexpected, preparedness to explore serendipitous observations, and perseverance (in trying) to overcome the hurdles or setbacks inevitably compounding any drug development.