Small molecule finds flu virus’s weak spot
Drug candidate that targets highly conserved region of virus gave mice complete protection from swine flu
A small molecule drug candidate has been created that mimics a mechanism used by an antibody to fight flu. With the ever present threat of pandemic flu, as well as seasonal flu epidemics each year, the approach could boost the arsenal of anti-flu drugs while scientists continue to seek a universal flu vaccine that protects against strains of the virus.