Scientists identify new post-infection treatment for COVID-19
What's the story
Scientists have identified a post-infection treatment for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and successfully demonstrated its efficacy in stopping viral reproduction in mice. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with an inhibitor of protease enzymes had significantly increased survival and decreased lung viral quantity.
Information
Protease inhibitors, a class of antiviral drugs preventing viral reproduction
These protease inhibitors are a class of antiviral drugs that prevent viral reproduction by selectively binding to viral enzymes and blocking the activation of proteins that are necessary for the production of infectious viral particles.
Report
Inhibitor GC376 is currently under commercial development: Professor Kim
"We developed the protease inhibitor GC376 for treating a fatal coronavirus infection in cats, which is now under commercial development as an investigational new animal drug," said Yunjeong Kim, Associate Professor at the US's Kansas State University. "Many research groups reported that this inhibitor is also effective against the coronavirus...and many are currently pursuing the development of protease inhibitors as a treatment," Kim said.
Efficacy
Research team modified GC376 to test efficacy against SARS-CoV-2
The research team modified GC376 using a tool called deuteration to test its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. Treatment with a deuterated variant starting at 24 hours post-infection resulted in significantly increased survival of mice compared to untreated mice, the researchers said. The results suggest that deuterated variants have excellent potential as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2, according to the research team.
Quote
Treatment with deuterated GC376 improved survival: Professor Chang
"Treating SARS-CoV-2-infected mice with deuterated GC376 significantly improved survival, viral replication in lungs, and weight losses, which shows the efficacy of the antiviral compound," said Kyeong-Ok Chang, professor at Kansas State University.
Results
Deuterated GC376 has a potential for further development: Chang
"The results suggest deuterated GC376 has a potential for further development," Chang said. Professor Chang also added this deuteration method can be utilized in other antiviral compounds to generate potent inhibitors. The virologists are continuing to develop improved inhibitors using various methods. Deuterated GC376 is currently being evaluated for further potential development.