Zika virus is recognized as a major public health concern, but there are currently no medications approved for treating infected individuals. However, researchers in Finland recently demonstrated that three anti-influenza medications are also active against Zika. These medications exert their effect by targeting intended host cells and ultimately inhibiting viral protein synthesis.

References: Kuivanen S, Bespalov MM, Nandania J, et al. Obatoclax, saliphenylhalamide and gemcitabine inhibit Zika virus infection in vitro and differentially affect cellular signaling, transcription and metabolism. Antiviral Res. 2017;139:117-28. News-medical.net website. http://www.news-medical.net/news/20170116/Antivirals-that-block-influenza-can-also-inhibit-Zika-virus-infection-study-shows.aspx. Antivirals that block influenza can also inhibit Zika virus infection, study shows. Published online January 16, 2017. Accessed February 7, 2017.