Unveiling the Pharmacological Landscape of Monkeypox: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
Aug 20, 2024
2024/8/19
The paper titled Pharmacological treatment and vaccines in monkeypox virus: a narrative review and bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic options and vaccines available for the treatment and prevention of monkeypox virus infection.
1. The bibliometric analysis reveals a surge in research activities concentrated in a few countries, highlighting the need for global contributions.
2. Tecovirimat emerges as the most promising antiviral, demonstrating efficacy and safety in progressive diseases.
3. Cidofovir and its related compounds are noted for off-label use but pose significant safety concerns.
4. Vaccines like ACAM 2000 and JYNNEOS are being repurposed for monkeypox, though not officially approved for it yet.
5. The study highlights the importance of global research efforts and equitable funding distribution to combat monkeypox effectively.
Cited from: Pharmacological treatment and vaccines in monkeypox virus: a narrative review and bibliometric analysis
Introduction
The emergence of the monkeypox virus as a public health emergency has prompted an urgent need to explore potential treatments and vaccines. This paper delves into the pharmacological landscape, examining antiviral drugs and vaccines administered to patients with monkeypox.
The narrative review focuses on practical experiences rather than mechanistic insights, offering a real-world perspective on the treatment of monkeypox virus infections. Additionally, the paper employs a bibliometric analysis to assess research trends and identify areas needing attention.
Method
The study method involves conducting a bibliometric analysis to evaluate research trends on monkeypox treatment. Data was gathered from multiple databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, focusing on articles from their inception through December 2022.
In addition to this, the authors performed a narrative review of existing literature, emphasizing patient experiences and the practical application of pharmacological treatments in monkeypox virus infection.
Result
1. Surge in Research Activities
The analysis showed a significant increase in studies related to monkeypox treatment in 2022 compared to previous years, attributed to the virus being declared a public health emergency. Research efforts, however, were predominantly concentrated in a few countries, with the United States leading with the highest number of studies. This indicates a need for more widespread global research initiatives to combat the monkeypox virus effectively.
The study utilized a bibliometric analysis to uncover trends in the research landscape concerning monkeypox treatment. By analyzing data from key databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, the authors identified a notable surge in research activities in 2022, coinciding with the virus’s classification as a public health emergency. This surge underscores a heightened global awareness and urgency in addressing the monkeypox challenge.
However, a deeper examination of the geographical distribution of research efforts revealed a concerning trend. The research activities were heavily concentrated in a limited number of countries, most notably the United States, which accounted for the majority of studies. This concentration highlights an imbalance in global research contributions and emphasizes the need for wider international collaboration and equitable distribution of research funding. Such efforts are crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of monkeypox and devising effective strategies to combat its spread.
The bibliometric analysis serves as a powerful tool for identifying gaps in the current research landscape and guiding future research directions. By highlighting the concentration of research efforts in a few countries, the study underscores the importance of fostering international partnerships and encouraging contributions from diverse regions. This global collaboration will be instrumental in advancing our knowledge of monkeypox and developing holistic solutions to address this public health threat. result conclusion: A surge in research activities was noted, but is concentrated in a few countries. Figure 1
2. Tecovirimat as a Promising Antiviral
Tecovirimat emerged as the most frequently used antiviral, showing promising results in terms of efficacy and safety in progressive monkeypox cases. Its mechanism involves inhibiting the VP37 protein, crucial for viral propagation, thereby preventing the spread of the virus within the host. The drug has been stockpiled by the United States due to its potential in addressing bioterrorism threats, highlighting its significance in monkeypox treatment.
The study’s narrative review shed light on Tecovirimat, a key antiviral agent that has demonstrated remarkable promise in the treatment of monkeypox. Tecovirimat’s mechanism of action involves targeting the VP37 protein, a critical component in the viral life cycle that facilitates the spread of the virus within the host. By inhibiting this protein, Tecovirimat effectively curtails viral propagation and restricts the progression of monkeypox, making it a valuable asset in managing the disease.
In addition to its mechanism of action, the study highlighted the real-world application of Tecovirimat in clinical settings. The drug has been frequently employed in cases of progressive monkeypox, where it has consistently shown efficacy and safety. This positive track record has led to its inclusion in national stockpiles, particularly in the United States, as a potential countermeasure against bioterrorism threats involving orthopoxviruses. The strategic stockpiling of Tecovirimat underscores its significance as a critical component of public health preparedness.
The narrative review’s emphasis on Tecovirimat’s efficacy and safety underscores its potential as a cornerstone in monkeypox treatment strategies. By providing practical insights into its use and highlighting its strategic importance, the study underscores the need for continued research and development to optimize Tecovirimat’s application and ensure its availability in addressing monkeypox outbreaks. result conclusion: Tecovirimat is a promising antiviral for monkeypox treatment. Figure 2
3. Vaccine Development and Application
The study highlighted two main vaccines, ACAM 2000 and JYNNEOS, being considered for monkeypox prevention, though not yet officially approved. JYNNEOS, a third-generation vaccine, is noted for its inability to replicate, making it a safer option compared to ACAM 2000, which retains replicative abilities and may cause severe adverse reactions. The research underscores the need for continued vaccine development and the importance of exploring bioinformatics for designing new vaccine molecules.
In the realm of vaccine development, the study provided an in-depth analysis of the potential role of ACAM 2000 and JYNNEOS in preventing monkeypox virus infection. Despite not being officially approved for monkeypox, these vaccines are being repurposed due to the immunological cross-protection observed among orthopoxviruses. This repurposing strategy is driven by the urgent need to develop effective preventive measures against monkeypox, leveraging existing vaccines initially developed for smallpox.
The study paid particular attention to JYNNEOS, a third-generation vaccine known for its distinctive safety profile. Unlike ACAM 2000, JYNNEOS is a non-replicating vaccine, reducing the risk of severe adverse reactions. This characteristic makes JYNNEOS a more favorable option, especially for immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying health conditions. The narrative review emphasized the ongoing efforts to explore JYNNEOS’s efficacy through clinical trials and its potential as a cornerstone in monkeypox prevention strategies.
While ACAM 2000 presents certain challenges due to its replicative nature, the study underscored the importance of continued research and development to enhance its safety profile. The exploration of bioinformatics in designing new vaccine molecules holds promise for the future, providing a pathway to develop more targeted and effective vaccines. The study’s focus on vaccine development highlights the critical need for ongoing innovation and research to address the evolving challenges posed by monkeypox. result conclusion: Vaccines are being developed and repurposed for monkeypox prevention. Figure 3
Conclusion
The paper provides a thorough review and analysis of the pharmacological treatments and vaccines being considered for monkeypox virus infection. It emphasizes the need for global research efforts and equitable funding to combat the virus effectively. Looking forward, the development of novel therapeutic options and vaccines remains a critical area of focus in addressing this public health challenge. Future developments in pharmacology and vaccine technology will be pivotal in managing monkeypox outbreaks.
