Haviernik et al.
Arbidol (Umifenovir): A broad-spectrum antiviral drug that inhibits medically important arthropod-borne flaviviruses.
Viruses 2018; 10: 184; doi:10.3390/v10040184

About 25 years ago, Arbidol (also known as Umifenovir), a broad-spectrum antiviral compound, has been developed in Russia. This drug is licensed in Russia and China for the prophylaxis and treatment of human influenza A and B infections. Subsequently, Arbidol was shown to be active against various DNA and RNA and enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Arbidol can intercalate into membrane lipids and inhibits membrane fusion between virus particles and the membranes of endosomes. The authors have evaluated the action of Arbidol on various flaviviruses and have used the strain Hypr as representative for the European subtype of the TBE virus. TBE virus infections were susceptible to Arbidol when propagated in HBCA (human brain cortical astrocytes) and Vero cells in a dose-dependent manner with EC50 values of 18.67 uM. Virus replication was incomplete when 25 and 50 uM Arbidol were used in either HBCA or Vero cells respectively, and the viral titer was reduced 1000-fold compared to non-treated cells. These data broaden the possibility for future in vivo testing of Arbidol in animal models of the TBE virus and other flavivirus infections.

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