Viral Protein Inhibitor Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2024

Viral proteases are diverse in structure, oligomeric state, catalytic mechanism, and substrate specificity. The proteases from viruses that are relevant to human health are human immunodeficiency virus subtype 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis C (HCV), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), flaviviruses, enteroviruses and coronaviruses. The viral genome encodes a polyprotein with an embedded viral protease that cleaves the polyprotein at several specific sites to generate mature viral proteins. Viral proteases are therefore essential for replication, which makes them ideal therapeutic targets. Mechanism of action (MOA) of Viral Protein Inhibitor is by inhibiting the cleavage of the polyprotein into functional proteins are called protease inhibitors. Protease is a protein-based enzyme that normally breaks the polyprotein into functional proteins, so blocking or inhibiting, protease prevents this essential step of viral reproduction. Viral Protein Inhibitor is used to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, human smallpox diseases, cytomegalovirus infection, rhinovirus infection, herpes simplex viral infection, etc. Increased prevalence of viral diseases and changing atmosphere, pollution are the key drivers for the Viral Protein Inhibitor market. For instance, according to the World Health Organization 2023, an estimated Globally there have been 768,187,096 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of June 2023. Launch of newer products by the market players could seek opportunities that influence extensive research and development in Viral Protein inhibitors. For instance, Siga Technologies TPOXX (Tecovirimat) is used to treat smallpox disease in adults and children. Moreover, the development of novel molecules by many market players is coming up to overcome challenges in therapy. For instance, Johnson & Johnson’s Rilematovir (JNJ-53718678) for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is under the various stages of clinical studies.

Key Market Developments:

• In July 2018, Siga Technologies received FDA approval for a TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for the treatment of human smallpox disease caused by variola virus in adults and children.
• In August 2022, Gilead’s Sunlenca (Lenacapavir) received FDA approval for twice-yearly HIV treatment.

Approved Drug Molecules and Brand Names for Viral Protein Inhibitors:

• TPOXX (Tecovirimat)
• Nasodine (Povidone-Iodine 0.5%)

Drugs under the Pipeline for Viral Protein Inhibitors:

• Rilematovir (JNJ-53718678)
• Pimodivir (JNJ-3872)
• Vir-2218
• Bepirovirsen (GSK3228836)
• Covi-Amg (STI-2020)
• Covi-Drops (STI-2099)
• Ct-P63GSK3389404
• MAU868
• MGD014
• Remdesivir Inhalation (GS-5734 Inhalation)
• Sovaprevir (ACH 1625)
• ALG-010133
• CG-Spikedown
• COVI-GUARD (STI-1499)
• DPX-E7
• FBR-002
• JS026
• NKG2D-ACE2 CAR-NK Cells
• SAR440894

Clinical Activity and Developments of Viral Protein Inhibitor:

Till June 2023, more than 15 companies have approximately 22 molecules targeting the number of viral diseases. For these molecules, more than 90 clinical trials are being conducted and the majority are in phase-2, and phase-3 clinical trials by the players across the globe. For instance,

• In August 2021, Vir Biotechnology completed phase 1/2, a randomized, placebo-controlled study for evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of VIR-2218.
• In November 2022, GSK completed phase 2b, multi-center, randomized, partial blind parallel cohort study for evaluating the safety and efficacy of Bepirovirsen (GSK3228836) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.