Maven Semantic updates Antiviral research database

Oct 25 2010

Maven Semantic (http://www.mavensemantic.com) announces updates to their Antiviral research database.

“The system uses the context in which a given person appears, using artificial intelligence techniques to find out information not otherwise visible - for example, how important is this person in a specific medical research specialization”

The new database is now available to marketing, business development, competitor intelligence, KOL, medical affairs and related departments in the life sciences sector.

The database currently tags 48,000 individuals working in Antivirals. http://bit.ly/aSOUvp .

Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics for bacteria, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses. Unlike most antibiotics, antiviral drugs do not destroy their target pathogen; instead they inhibit their development. Antiviral drugs are one class of antimicrobials, a larger group which also includes antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic drugs. They are relatively harmless to the host, and therefore can be used to treat infections. Most of the antivirals now available are designed to help deal with HIV, herpes viruses (best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, but actually causing a wide range of diseases), the hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer, and influenza A and B viruses. Researchers are working to extend the range of antivirals to other families of pathogens.