Are panaceas truly possible?

A single drug that can cure all viruses is not such a crazy idea.

RNA helicase ddx3 is a protein found in the human body that is used by viruses to replicate.

Scientists at the University of Siena have been able to synthesize molecules that inhibit this protein, thus preventing viruses from exploiting it to reproduce and further damage the body.

This would be a panacea against all kinds of viruses that would not have to worry about keeping up with most of their mutations, and that already works quite successfully ‘in vivo’ in rats.

It is the prototype of a very broad-spectrum antiviral, which could cure everything from HIV to hepatitis C to dengue fever, and be a viable solution to counter new emerging viruses.