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Oral antiviral that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 main protease, reducing symptomatic infections among exposed contacts.
Why in News
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in May 2026 reported that the antiviral drug Ensitrelvir significantly reduced symptomatic COVID-19 infections among exposed household contacts.
Key Facts
- Ensitrelvir is an oral antiviral drug that inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3C-like protease/Mpro).
- 3C-like protease (Mpro) — enzyme essential for viral replication; blocking it prevents coronavirus from multiplying.
- Mechanism: Prevents cleavage of viral polyproteins, stopping production of functional viral proteins.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — administered to exposed household contacts to prevent infection development. (UPSC Mains Usage: Connects to GS3 Health Crisis Management)
- Study published in The New England Journal of Medicine — peer-reviewed medical journal, high credibility for UPSC reference.
- Household transmission studies — critical for understanding community spread dynamics in pandemic management.
- Protease inhibitors — class of antivirals that block enzymes essential for viral replication (also used in HIV treatment).
Quick Revision Box
|
Term |
Detail |
|
Ensitrelvir |
Oral antiviral targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) |
|
3C-like Protease (Mpro) |
Enzyme essential for coronavirus replication — drug target |
|
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis |
Treatment given after exposure to prevent infection development |
|
NEJM |
The New England Journal of Medicine — leading peer-reviewed journal |
|
Mechanism |
Blocks viral polyprotein cleavage, stopping viral protein production |
|
Drug Class |
Protease inhibitor — similar mechanism to HIV antivirals |
2027 UPSC Integrated English Foundation
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