New antiviral compound (still undergoing trials) said to be more effective than Tamiflu

A study in the Dec. 21 edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that a new compound may be more potent and safer for treating H5N1 influenza than the antiviral oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu). The new compound, called T-705, is effective in mice even up to 3 days after infection. This means T-705 may be effective in people who have already entered a disease state. It is also effective against circulating seasonal influenza viruses, as evidenced by human testing in Japan, where the compound is on the brink of Phase III clinical trials in humans. Clinical trails will further test the efficacy and safety of T-705 in humans.

T-705 is considered safer and more effective than oseltamivir because it targets viral polymerase, an enzyme specific to viruses that allows them to make copies of their genetic material (RNA). Once polymerase is disabled, the virus can no longer make new viral particles, thus ending the chain of infection.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/uow-cft121709.php
PNAS: http://www.pnas.org/