Derivatives of neuraminic acid are examples of antiviral drugs effective against viruses A and B. Azasugars have been found to be effective against HIV infections. A variety of inhibitors of alpha -glucosidases which have been isolated from various sources and later synthesized in the laboratory are used in combination with insulin as hypoglycemic drugs. Two amino sugars with antibiotic activity, steptozotocin and prumycin, attract attention as antitumor drugs. Structurally different polysaccharides, e.g., glucans from various sources, possess antitumor activity as well. Particular attention has been given to biologically active carbohydrate-containing antibiotics and anticoagulants.
Emphasis is given to sialyl-containing antiviral drugs.
A special section is devoted to multivalent sialyl-containing preparations as inhibitors of influenza virus hemagglutinin. Structural features of such polysulfates as dextran sulfate, pentosan sulfate, sucralfate, heparin, and their derivatives are considered. A section is devoted to the chemistry of dermatan sulfate and sulfates of xylomannan, galactan, and cyclodextrin. Another section is devoted to the mechanisms of the therapeutic action of various polysulfates in HIV infection. The structure and function of heparin, its biosynthesis, and its importance in medicine are considered in detail.