Antiviral agents

An agent for detecting rhinoviral infection in humans comprising a compound capable of binding to a rhinovirus (HRV) capsid, the compound comprising:

• at least two capsid binding moieties, and
• a non-polymeric backbone or core,
• wherein the at least two capsid binding moieties are covalently attached to the non-polymeric backbone or core,
• and wherein the at least two capsid binding moieties are the same or different and individually selected from formula (I):
• Ar1(X)mW(Y)nAr2 (I)
• where Ar1 and Ar2 are optionally substituted, aromatic mono-, bi- or tri-cyclic rings or ring systems, which may be the same or different, said aromatic rings or ring systems having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, and in the case of heteroaromatic rings, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S or O;
• X and Y are independently selected from O, S, CO, C(O)O, CONR or NR, where R is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl;
• W is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted straight chain or branched alkylene groups of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have one or more double or triple bonds;
• optionally substituted alkyleneoxy groups;
• optionally substituted aryl groups;
• and optionally substituted aliphatic rings which may be saturated or unsaturated and which may include one or more heteroatoms selected from O, S and N;
• and
• m and n are independently 0 or 1;
• said compound being linked to a detectable label.