Zotatifin (eFT226) is a potent, selective, and well-tolerated eIF4A inhibitor. Zotatifin promotes eIF4A binding to specific mRNA sequences with recognition motifs in the 5’-UTRs (IC50=2 nM) and interferes with the assembly of the eIF4F initiation complex. Zotatifin shows robust antiviral effects, it effectively reduces viral infectivity by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 NP protein biogenesis (IC90=37 nM). Zotatifin induces cell apoptosis.