#USA #Cambridge #INTREPID Alliance #Health Security #Antiviral Research

Overview of INTREPID Alliance's Latest Report

On May 5, 2025, the INTREPID Alliance published its fourth edition of the Antiviral Clinical and Preclinical Development Landscape. This comprehensive report sheds light on the current state of global research and development (R&D) in the field of antiviral treatments, a crucial area that has seen a concerning slowdown in activity. Despite the increasing necessity for effective antiviral strategies in the wake of global health emergencies, the urgency for new treatments appears to be waning.

Key Findings

The report synthesized data from over 200 clinical and preclinical antiviral programs targeting 13 viral families that are prioritized for pandemic preparedness. Here are some of the most striking findings:

• - Clinical Pipeline Status: Currently, there are 67 unique antiviral compounds actively undergoing clinical trials, which includes 22 existing approved therapies and 42 novel candidates that have yet to receive approval. Alarmingly, the number of new clinical candidates has plateaued, indicating a stagnation in progress since the last report.
• - Preclinical Development: A total of 168 new compounds are currently in preclinical stages for 189 virus-disease indications. Yet, it is noteworthy that a significant portion of these efforts is still directed towards combating SARS-CoV-2, limiting the attention given to other urgent viral threats.
• - Focus on Biopharmaceutical Companies: Nearly 90% of the clinical development efforts are being spearheaded by biopharmaceutical companies, while early-stage research sees diverse participation from academic institutions and government laboratories. This concentration also highlights a significant disparity, as most development activities occur in high-income countries.

Calls for Action

James Anderson, Executive Director of Global Health at the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) and Chair of the INTREPID Alliance Board, expressed deep concerns about the trend: "We are going backwards, not forwards. Despite the lessons of COVID-19, global investment in small-molecule antivirals is declining when it is most needed. Without a robust antiviral pipeline, the world remains dangerously exposed to emerging viral threats."

Recent outbreaks such as Mpox disease have further emphasized this call to action. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Mpox outbreak a public health emergency, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our global health systems and the critical need for antiviral research.

The Role of the INTREPID Alliance

The INTREPID Alliance remains focused on enhancing the world’s preparedness for pandemics. The organization aims to bridge the gaps in antiviral R&D by developing new treatments for emerging viral agents. Their bi-annual reports aim to support policymakers, funding bodies, and the global research community in identifying urgent R&D needs and high-impact opportunities. The full report and additional resources can be accessed on their official website.

In conclusion, the findings from this latest landscape report serve as both a warning and a guide. The urgent need for revitalized investment in antiviral research is clear—this is not just a scientific issue but a crucial aspect of global security. Policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders must act swiftly to refocus efforts and resources towards developing effective antiviral treatments that can protect against future pandemics.