Pleconaril

Pleconaril is an experimental antiviral drug developed by the pharmaceutical company ViroPharma. It is primarily used in the treatment of picornavirus infections. Pleconaril works by inhibiting the replication of viruses in the picornavirus family, which includes the common cold virus, rhinovirus, and enterovirus.

Mechanism of Action

Pleconaril works by binding to a hydrophobic pocket in the viral capsid, which is present in all picornaviruses. This binding prevents the virus from uncoating its RNA genome and thus inhibits the replication of the virus.

Clinical Trials

Pleconaril has undergone several clinical trials to test its efficacy and safety. In a Phase II trial, it was found to reduce the duration of the common cold in adults. However, in a Phase III trial, the drug did not meet the primary endpoint of reducing the duration of the common cold.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Pleconaril include nausea, headache, and nasal congestion. Some patients may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Regulatory Status

In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected ViroPharma's New Drug Application (NDA) for Pleconaril, citing concerns about the drug's safety and efficacy. The FDA also expressed concerns about the potential for Pleconaril to interact with other drugs, particularly oral contraceptives.

See Also

• Antiviral drug
• Picornavirus
• Rhinovirus
• Enterovirus

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  Pleconaril chemical structure
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  Pleconaril ball-and-stick model
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  Human Rhinovirus bound with Pleconaril