zanamivir

Definition / meaning of zanamivir

A sialic acid-analogue neuraminidase inhibitor with antiviral activity. Administered into the respiratory tract by aerosol inhalation, zanamivir selectively binds to and inhibits influenza A and B virus neuraminidase-mediated cleavage of sialic acid residues in host cell membrane-bound glycoprotein receptors for influenza viruses, preventing the release of progeny viruses from host cell surfaces and, so, further viral replication.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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