The International Society for
Influenza and other Respiratory
Virus Diseases held its 5th
Antiviral Group (isirv-AVG) Conference in Shanghai, China, in conjunction with the Shanghai Public Health Center and Fudan University from 14-16 June 2017. The three-day programme encompassed presentations on some of the clinical features, management, immune responses and virology of
respiratory infections, including influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H7N9) viruses, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, adenovirus Type 80, enterovirus D68, metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Updates were presented on several
therapeutics currently in clinical trials, including
influenza polymerase inhibitors
pimodivir/JNJ6362387, S033188,
favipiravir,
monoclonal antibodies MHAA45449A and VIS410, and host directed strategies for
influenza including
nitazoxanide, and polymerase ALS-008112 and fusion inhibitors
AK0529,
GS-5806 for RSV. Updates were also given on the use of the currently licensed
neuraminidase inhibitors. Given the location in China, there were also presentations on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicines. Following on from the previous conference, there were ongoing discussions on appropriate endpoints for severe
influenza in clinical trials from regulators and clinicians, an issue which remains unresolved. The aim of this conference summary is to provide information for not only conference participants, but a detailed referenced review of the current status of clinical trials, and pre-clinical development of
therapeutics and
vaccines for
influenza and other
respiratory diseases for a broader audience.