Optimization of Antiviral Therapies among Pediatrics: Confronting Remedying Unique Challenges

The physiological and immunological profile of children makes pediatric viral infections particularly difficult. Although pediatric populations are a high risk for hospitalization, pediatric-specific antiviral therapy is largely unexplored, resulting in long delays between pediatric drug approvals and commercialization. This chapter discusses inadequacies in the antiviral drug development and administration for pediatric patients and highlights the importance of age specific approaches including regulatory hindrances to approving children's drugs, and the inhumane nature of performing trials in children. The role that Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) and the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) played in promoting pediatric focused drug research are highlighted. The chapter seeks to encourage cooperation between pediatricians, pharmaceutical developers, and regulatory bodies, in support of the notion that therapeutic antiviral should be truly pediatric centric. Optimizing treatment outcomes is essential to the global health of young patients and these efforts are required.