Antiviral Nucleosides

Abstract: This article provides an overview of the field of nucleoside antiviral agents in so far as they have some level of current interest. It considers compounds in a number of structural classes: conventional nucleoside analogues, acyclics, carbocyclics, thio, heterosubstituted and those having "unnatural" L stereochemistry. In addition, it deals with important derivative subclasses such as phosphonate mimics of nucleotides. We indicate the current•status of leading compounds, which in many cases is clinical evaluation, and position with regard to licensing, and reflect the current level and style of activities within each particular class. Our other major objective has been to incorporate a review of the major publications appearing in the last two years in the area of antiviral nucleosides. This includes both biological and clinical studies as well as the more significant advances in synthetic approaches to compounds in all classes. We refer extensively throughout to other relevant review articles which have covered particular areas -of investigation or have dealt in depth with a single compound.