Discovery and Development of Monkeypox Disease Treatments

Dear Colleagues,

Monkeypox disease (MPX) was first identified in monkeys in 1958. The first case of MPX in a human was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1971. Early outbreaks of MPX occurred in specific regions (Africa, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, etc.); however, the MPX outbreak of 2022 is of global concern because it has spread to more than 105 countries. Unfortunately, MPX treatments (tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir) and prophylactics (JYNNEOS vaccine) are limited. Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an orthopoxvirus (OPXV). Various OPXVs (cowpox, vaccinia, smallpox, etc.) share similar genetic makeup. Accordingly, the drugs that are used to treat an OPXV disease may be useful in treating MPX. This Special Issue relates to the discovery and development of the treatment of OPXV-based diseases with a special emphasis on MPX. Submissions consisting of reviews, original articles, and communications based on the title theme are invited from experts around the globe. The scope of this Special Issue includes all aspects related to the drug discovery of treatments for OPXV-based diseases, including new targets, molecules, combinations, formulations, biopharmaceutical studies, natural products, biomedicines, vaccines, drug repurposing, pharmacovigilance, clinical reports, and patents. The content of this Special Issue will be of great value to the scientific community involved in the development of treatments for OPXV-based diseases.

Dr. Mohd Imran
Dr. Ali A. Rabaan
Topic Editors