Antiviral therapies refer to pharmaceutical agents developed to treat viral infections by inhibiting the replication or function of viruses. Resistance mechanisms in viruses emerge through genetic mutations that reduce the efficacy of these antivirals, posing a serious threat to global health and pandemic preparedness.
Antiviral agents have revolutionized the management of chronic and acute viral infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, influenza, herpesviruses, and emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2. However, antiviral resistance—driven by rapid viral evolution, high replication rates, and selective drug pressure—has become a major obstacle to effective treatment and control.
This session focuses on the development of next-generation antiviral agents, their mechanisms of action, and the genetic and molecular pathways through which viruses develop resistance. Emphasis will also be placed on novel strategies such as combination therapies, host-targeted antivirals, and AI-guided drug discovery.
Core topics include:
- Classes and targets of antiviral agents (entry inhibitors, protease inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors)
- Viral mutation rates and escape mutants
- Mechanisms of resistance in HIV, influenza, HBV, HCV, and emerging viruses
- Combination and host-directed therapies to minimize resistance
- Antiviral drug pipelines and repurposing of existing compounds
- Surveillance of resistance mutations and resistance genotyping
- Antiviral efficacy in immunocompromised hosts
- Pandemic preparedness: lessons from COVID-19 and beyond
This track invites virologists, infectious disease specialists, pharmacologists, epidemiologists, and biotech leaders committed to advancing antiviral science and resistance mitigation.