Therapeutic potential of salicylamide derivatives for combating viral infections

Since time immemorial human beings have constantly been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic represents one of the most severe and most significant public health emergencies in human history, highlighting an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide (2-hydroxybenzamide) derivatives, represented by niclosamide and nitazoxanide, inhibit the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses such as flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Moreover, nitazoxanide was effective in clinical trials against different viral infections including diarrhea caused by rotavirus and norovirus, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In this review, we summarize the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, the clinical progress, and the potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections and highlight their therapeutic potential in combating the circulating and emerging viral infections in the future.

Automated summary

Since ancient times, human beings have been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is one of the most severe public health emergencies in human history, emphasizing the urgent need for broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide derivatives, such as niclosamide and nitazoxanide, have shown inhibitory effects against a wide range of RNA and DNA viruses, including flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of nitazoxanide against various viral infections, such as rotavirus and norovirus-induced diarrhea, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This review summarizes the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, their clinical progress, potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections, and highlights their therapeutic potential in combating current and emerging viral infections.