The present invention relates to novel benzimidazole compounds that have useful antiviral activity. More specifically, the invention encompasses benzimidazole compounds that inhibit membrane fusion associated events such as viral transmission, reduce viral load or otherwise treat viral infections. The invention also encompasses the use of benzimidazole compounds as inhibitors of membrane fusion associated events, such as viral transmission. In another embodiment, the invention encompasses processes for making benzimidazole compounds, methods of using the benzimidazole compounds and compositions comprising the benzimidazole compounds. Finally, the invention provides methods for treating, preventing or ameliorating symptoms associated with respiratory infection, particularly that caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus utilizing the novel benzimidazole compounds of the invention.