Monkeypox Virus Countermeasures: Vaccines, Antibodies, Drugs and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Abstract Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has garnered global attention in recent years. MPXV is a DNA virus that is categorized as belonging to the Orthopoxvirus, exhibiting close genetic and structural similarities to variola virus (VARV) and vaccinia virus (VACV). Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) announcing in 2023 that the global outbreak of monkeypox (mpox) is no longer a public health emergency, the new occurrence reported in most regions shows the urgency of the development of medicines for mpox. In this review, we reviewed a huge amount of literature on mpox, summarizing its development, scientific findings, and trustworthy data when it comes to viral structure, binding targets, treatments, and intervention strategies. Because no antiviral agents have been formally authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the WHO for the targeted treatment of mpox, coupled with the limited effectiveness demonstrated by current antiviral medications in clinical evaluations, the progressive emergence of drug resistance, and the ongoing threat posed by novel viral variants, the advancement of new antiviral therapeutics for mpox has emerged as an urgent priority within the domain of global public health. The purpose is to explore measures, therapy techniques, and the medication development process for mpox, including vaccines, antibodies, chemicals, natural drug monomers, traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), and Chinese herbal formulations. Also, it clearly differentiates the progress of approved drugs, preclinical candidate compounds, and computer-predicted molecules in the development of therapeutics for mpox. It is beneficial to comprehend MPXV’s research basis, improve the understanding of preventive measures and treatment methods, and promote medical and healthcare services.