Antiviral Drug News and Research

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Could novel biosensors facilitate SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug research?

An intriguing new study presents a novel approach to biosensor-based evaluation of promising drugs that could inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via its 3C-like protease (3CLpro), a viral protease.

2 Aug 2021

Fighting SARS-CoV-2 with nanomedicine

Published in the Journal of Controlled Release, researchers from the German University in Cairo, and the University of Cologne, looked into nano-reformulation of repurposed antiviral and immune-modulating drugs for inhalation therapy against COVID-19. In addition, they focused on how nanomedicine could address the limitations of current therapeutics, enhancing the efficacy, specificity, and safety of such drugs.

1 Aug 2021

Budesonide’s antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2

A new study examines the in vitro antiviral effect of pure budesonide and Pulmicort® against the SARS-CoV-2 WT and two VoCs.

26 Jul 2021

Water-soluble vitamin E compounds directly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and synergize with remdesivir

Researchers in the United States have shown that water-soluble derivatives of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) exhibit potent antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

15 Jul 2021

Researchers examine efficacy of CT-P59 monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Brazil variant

The therapeutic monoclonal antibody CT-P59 binds to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2, the site of these three major mutations, which may therefore reduce the potency of this antibody against the P.1 lineage. In a new study, the neutralizing potency of this monoclonal antibody towards both wildtype and P.1 SARS-CoV-2 is investigated. The researchers found that the ability to bind with the virus is impeded by the mutations, resulting in reduced potency in vitro.

14 Jul 2021

Molecular dynamic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors

A new study reports the results of molecular dynamic simulations that were performed in an effort to identify new drugs that could be effective against SARS-CoV-2.

13 Jul 2021

What is behind the inconsistent results of COVID-19 clinical trials?

“Most clinical studies of antiviral drugs for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have failed to observe a statistically significant effect, which may be due to poor designs of clinical trials.”

12 Jul 2021

Individual variation in viral dynamics could underlie inconsistencies in COVID-19 antiviral treatments

Due to variation in viral dynamics between people, improving the experimental design could help develop effective antiviral treatments for COVID-19.

5 Jul 2021

Study explores lectins from plants, fungi, algae and cyanobacteria as pan-coronavirus inhibitors

In a recently published article scientists have provided a detailed description of the utility of mannose-specific lectins in preventing coronavirus infections. They have specifically explained how mannose-specific lectins derived from plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria selectively bind N-glycans present on the surface of viral spike protein and how such interactions can be medically utilized to control coronavirus transmission.

1 Jul 2021

Study provides important insights into early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers in the UK have provided important new insights into the early stages of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

30 Jun 2021

Study suggests vitamin B12 as a SARS-CoV-2 antiviral

Researchers in the UK and Spain have used a novel drug screening approach to identify compounds that could serve as effective antivirals against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

28 Jun 2021

An oral pill for COVID-19? Molnupiravir shows promise

Recently, researchers reported molnupiravir as the first oral and direct-acting antiviral that is highly effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 levels.

27 Jun 2021

Researchers review the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and present treatment methods

A million more questions arise for every answer we have against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Where did it come from? And will it ever go away? A recent article published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology reviews what scientists currently know about the origin, SARS-CoV-2 structure, and potential treatments against this new virus.

23 Jun 2021

What is the optimal dosing regimen for remdesivir in COVID-19 patients? A computational model

A team of scientists from the Pennsylvania State University, USA, recently analyzed the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of antiviral drug remdesivir using computational models. Based on the study findings, which are yet to be peer-reviewed, the scientists recommend that for effective inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection, remdesivir should be used with other antiviral medicines, or its dosing regimen should be optimized to improve bioavailability.

22 Jun 2021

Researchers screen Chinese herbal medicines and plant compounds for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity

A review published in Phytotherapy Research discussed the natural anti-SARS-CoV-2 products identified based on in silico prediction. The review’s authors also illustrate the impact of many phytochemicals either alone or in combination with traditional treatments and their potential molecular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 prevention and treatment.

22 Jun 2021