Fosfonet sodium (or phosphonoacetate sodium), an organophosphorus compound, was found to be a specific inhibitor of the virus-induced DNA polymerases and thus could inhibit specifically the replication of herpes-viruses.

Vaniprevir (MK-7009) is an non-covalent competitive macrocyclic inhibitor of Hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease genotype 1a and 1b proteases at subnanomolar concentrations with modestly shifted potency against genotype 2a and 2b proteases at low nanomolar concentrations. Merck & Co. developed vaniprevir in combination with standard therapy for the twice-daily treatment of hepatitis C virus infections. The product has been launched in Japan under name VANIHEP, and Merck reported in its 2014 annual report that the product will only be available in this region.

Tilorone (trade names Amixin, Lavomax and others) is the first recognized synthetic, small molecular weight compound that is an orally active interferon inducer. Tilorone induces the formation of interferons (alpha, beta, gamma) by intestinal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, T-lymphocytes, and granulocytes. After ingestion, the maximum production of interferon is determined in the sequence of the intestine - liver - blood after 4-24 hours. Activates the stem cells of the bone marrow, stimulates humoral immunity, increases the production of IgM, IgA, IgG, affects the antibody formation, reduces the degree of immunosuppression, restores the ratio of T-helperers / T-suppressors. The mechanism of antiviral action is associated with the inhibition of translation of virus-specific proteins in infected cells, thereby suppressing the replication of the virus. Effective against influenza viruses and viruses that cause ARVI, hepato- and herpesviruses, incl. CMV and others. The mechanism of antiviral action is associated with the inhibition of translation of virus-specific proteins in infected cells, thereby suppressing the replication of the virus.

Pleconaril (Picovir) is an antiviral drug that was being developed by Schering-Plough for prevention of asthma exacerbations and common cold symptoms in patients exposed to picornavirus respiratory infections. Pleconaril binds to a hydrophobic pocket in viral protein 1, the major protein which comprises the capsid (the outer "shell") of picornaviruses. In enteroviruses, this prevents the virus from exposing its RNA, and in rhinoviruses, it also prevents the virus from attaching itself to the host cell. The results of two randomized, double-blind, placebo studies found Pleconaril treatment could benefit patients suffering from colds due to picornaviruses. Participants in the studies were healthy adults from Canada and the United States, with self-diagnosed colds that had occurred within 24 hours of trial enrollment. Participants were randomly given a placebo or two 200 mg tablets to take three times daily for five days. To increase absorption it was recommended to be taken after a meal. To monitor the effectiveness of Pleconaril, Participants recorded the severity of their symptoms and nasal mucosal samples were obtained at enrollment, day 3, day 6 and day 18. The two studies had a total of 2096 participates and more than 90% (1945) completed the trial. The most common reason for a participant not finishing the trial was an adverse event. Pleconaril treatment showed a reduction in nose blowing, sleep disturbance, and less cold medication used. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected pleconaril in 2002 due to the side effects. The most commonly reported side effects were mild to a moderate headache, diarrhea, and nausea.

Tromantadine HCl under brand name Virumerz is used to treat the herpes simplex virus by inhibiting the cellular process such as glycoprotein processing, which occurs after the synthesis of the fusion protein but before its expression on the cell surface.

Edoxudine (5-ethyl-2'-deoxyuridine), an antiviral drug, has been clinically studied against the recurrent genital herpes.

Methisazone is N-methyl-isatin beta-thiosemicarbazone. This is one of a series of isatin beta-thiosemicarbazones which have been shown in the laboratory to have antiviral activity against vaccinia and variola viruses. It has been reported to be effective for smallpox prophylaxis.

Enviroxime (LY 122772 or 2-amino-1-(isopropyl sulphonyl)-6-benzimidazole phenyl ketone oxime) is an benzimidazole antiviral agent. Enviroxime inhibits the replication of rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, additionally it impedes the replication of the hepatitis C virus. Enviroxime targets the 3A coding region of rhinovirus and poliovirus. Enviroxime is able to inhibit host phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III.

Xenazoic acid, an antiviral agent, was introduced in the early 1960s. Xenazoic acid might be of value in reducing the severity of meals infection if given early enough. Its use was associated with hepatic toxicity, which resulted in its withdrawal from the market in at least two countries (Belgium and France) in 1965. WHO has no information to suggest that xenazoic acid remains commercially available.