Research Article

Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus

Volume: 13 Number: 4 October 30, 2025
TR EN

Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus

Abstract

This study introduces a drug repurposing approach for monkeypox virus using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to screen clinically approved drugs for other diseases. Potential candidates were analyzed with AutoDock software in two categories: (1) DNA polymerase inhibitors and (2) RNA polymerase inhibitors. Docking analysis identified seven promising compounds—five DNA polymerase and two RNA polymerase inhibitors—showing strong affinity toward monkeypox targets. MD simulations further confirmed their binding stability. Among them, etravirine (−8.04 kcal/mol) and valaciclovir (−7.57 kcal/mol) exhibited the highest affinity to DNA polymerase active sites at residues ASP347 and ASP462. Moreover, emetine dihydrochloride (−7.17 kcal/mol) demonstrated the strongest binding to the catalytic site of RNA polymerase. Consequently, etravirine and emetine dihydrochloride are proposed as potential therapeutics against monkeypox. Since these compounds are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other viral infections, extensive safety testing and high development costs can be avoided, making this repurposing strategy an efficient and cost-effective option for managing monkeypox infection.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies are appropriately cited

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Molecular Imaging

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 30, 2025

Submission Date

March 6, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 16, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 13 Number: 4

APA
Selvitopi, H., Arslan, M. E., Demir, S., Akbaba, Y., Aydemir, M., Hacımüftüoğlu, A., Selvitopi, Z., & Türkez, H. (2025). Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology, 13(4), 1695-1718. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1652693
AMA
1.Selvitopi H, Arslan ME, Demir S, et al. Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus. DUBİTED. 2025;13(4):1695-1718. doi:10.29130/dubited.1652693
Chicago
Selvitopi, Harun, Mehmet Enes Arslan, Seda Demir, et al. 2025. “Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 13 (4): 1695-1718. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1652693.
EndNote
Selvitopi H, Arslan ME, Demir S, Akbaba Y, Aydemir M, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Selvitopi Z, Türkez H (October 1, 2025) Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 13 4 1695–1718.
IEEE
[1]H. Selvitopi et al., “Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus”, DUBİTED, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 1695–1718, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.29130/dubited.1652693.
ISNAD
Selvitopi, Harun - Arslan, Mehmet Enes - Demir, Seda - Akbaba, Yusuf - Aydemir, Murat - Hacımüftüoğlu, Ahmet - Selvitopi, Zülküf - Türkez, Hasan. “Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 13/4 (October 1, 2025): 1695-1718. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1652693.
JAMA
1.Selvitopi H, Arslan ME, Demir S, Akbaba Y, Aydemir M, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Selvitopi Z, Türkez H. Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus. DUBİTED. 2025;13:1695–1718.
MLA
Selvitopi, Harun, et al. “Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 13, no. 4, Oct. 2025, pp. 1695-18, doi:10.29130/dubited.1652693.
Vancouver
1.Harun Selvitopi, Mehmet Enes Arslan, Seda Demir, Yusuf Akbaba, Murat Aydemir, Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Zülküf Selvitopi, Hasan Türkez. Computational Identification of Potential Antiviral Agents Against Monkeypox Virus. DUBİTED. 2025 Oct. 1;13(4):1695-718. doi:10.29130/dubited.1652693