The rapid emergence and re-emergence of viral pathogens—exemplified by outbreaks of influenza, Ebola, Zika, and, most recently, SARS-CoV-2—underscore the urgent global need for effective antiviral therapies. Recent advances in experimental pharmacology, drug discovery, and clinical evaluation have transformed our understanding of antiviral mechanisms while highlighting significant challenges, such as drug resistance, viral mutation, and safety profiles. Bridging the gap between bench-side research and bedside application is critical for the successful development and deployment of novel antiviral agents.This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest research and innovative strategies in the discovery and development of antiviral drugs, encompassing both experimental and clinical perspectives. By highlighting the translation of basic scientific findings into clinical practice, we aspire to accelerate the development of safe, effective, and broadly accessible antiviral agents. Ultimately, we hope to bring forward actionable insights for preparedness in future viral outbreaks. This collection encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among virologists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and drug discovery scientists. We seek to advance insights into the following themes, but not limited to:• Drug repurposing: Investigating available drugs for antiviral purposes.• Novel drug discovery: Identification and development of small-molecule antivirals.• Computational drug discovery: Use of modeling methods to predict antiviral activity.• Clinical pharmacology: Comparative efficacy of available antivirals.• Combination therapy: Evaluating the benefit of multi-agent protocols.• Behavioral pharmacology: Patient adherence as determinant of drug efficacy.
The rapid emergence and re-emergence of viral pathogens—exemplified by outbreaks of influenza, Ebola, Zika, and, most recently, SARS-CoV-2—underscore the urgent global need for effective antiviral therapies. Recent advances in experimental pharmacology, drug discovery, and clinical evaluation have transformed our understanding of antiviral mechanisms while highlighting significant challenges, such as drug resistance, viral mutation, and safety profiles. Bridging the gap between bench-side research and bedside application is critical for the successful development and deployment of novel antiviral agents.This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest research and innovative strategies in the discovery and development of antiviral drugs, encompassing both experimental and clinical perspectives. By highlighting the translation of basic scientific findings into clinical practice, we aspire to accelerate the development of safe, effective, and broadly accessible antiviral agents. Ultimately, we hope to bring forward actionable insights for preparedness in future viral outbreaks. This collection encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among virologists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and drug discovery scientists. We seek to advance insights into the following themes, but not limited to:• Drug repurposing: Investigating available drugs for antiviral purposes.• Novel drug discovery: Identification and development of small-molecule antivirals.• Computational drug discovery: Use of modeling methods to predict antiviral activity.• Clinical pharmacology: Comparative efficacy of available antivirals.• Combination therapy: Evaluating the benefit of multi-agent protocols.• Behavioral pharmacology: Patient adherence as determinant of drug efficacy.