Suramin inspires next-generation broad-spectrum antiviral design targeting RdRps.

Suramin binds distinct sites on diverse viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases while repeatedly engaging conserved RNA-interacting and electrostatic features, revealing shared vulnerabilities.

• Why it matters: Broad-spectrum antivirals need structural rules that generalize across different viral polymerases, addressing the gap between observed binding and rational next-generation design.
• What they did: Structural studies across multiple viral RdRps mapped Suramin binding and identified recurring RNA-contact and electrostatic characteristics used in the binding process.
• The result: The structural framework highlights common weaknesses in viral RNA polymerases, enabling more targeted design of future broad-spectrum antivirals based on those conserved features.

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