Articles tagged with Antivirals
A new CRISPR protein, Cas12a2, has shown potential for killing sick cells while leaving healthy ones untouched. Researchers have tested its effectiveness in destroying cancer cells and virus-infected cells with promising results.
The UK-led OpenBind initiative has released its first publicly available dataset and predictive AI model, accelerating the discovery of new medicines using artificial intelligence. The release showcases high-quality, standardized experimental data and a trained predictive model, enabling researchers worldwide to drive the next generati...
A Rutgers Health-led survey found that 68% of people living with HIV prefer long-acting injections, but only 2.8% actually received them. The study identified factors limiting adoption, including pill burden, detectable viral load, and provider bias.
Researchers have shown that extracts from bioengineered chewing gum reduce levels of three microbes linked to worse outcomes in oral cancers, including HPV and bacteria Pg and Fn. The findings support the value of advancing these therapies to clinical trials as adjuvants or prophylaxis.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
A genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen identified two critical host factors, SLC35A1 and LSM12, essential for BPIV3 replication. Knockout of these genes significantly inhibits viral infection, revealing novel antiviral strategies to combat Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex.
Researchers have developed a low-cost fake drug detector that uses an infrared sensor to track pill dissolution rates. The device can identify legitimate medications from counterfeit ones with high accuracy, making it a valuable tool in the fight against global health threats.
Researchers reveal that coronaviruses hijack specific cellular protein to build large compartments for viral assembly, leading to reduced viral production in cells lacking the HGS protein. The discovery opens new avenues for antiviral therapy by targeting the interaction between HGS and viral proteins.
A multinational clinical trial found that the long-term HIV treatment regimen is safe and favored by adolescents who received injectable intramuscular antiviral medications cabotegravir and rilpivirine. The study showed continued viral suppression after 48 weeks with no major safety concerns.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered crucial insights into how a new class of antiviral drugs works, shedding light on an important tool for fighting drug-resistant strains of herpes simplex virus. The discovery may lead to new pathways for treating herpesviruses and other kinds of DNA viruses.
The emergence of A(H3N2) subclade K viruses in Australia and New Zealand extended their influenza seasons, with Australia experiencing a record-breaking season. The viruses were likely imported from the US and accounted for half of Australian viruses and over two-thirds of New Zealand viruses.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are using a human brain-on-a-chip system to study lethal encephalitis viruses and develop treatments. The chip replicates the function of the human brain, allowing scientists to test antiviral drugs in a more accurate and human-like environment.
A new combination therapy approach enabled seven out of ten participants to keep the virus at low levels for many months after going off antiretroviral therapy. The results suggest a possible cure for HIV and offer a proof of concept that this approach could work.
A new study suggests that long-acting injectable treatment can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year in Zimbabwe. The treatment, LA cabotegravir with rilpivirine, could be cost-effective if priced at $156/year or lower for women whose HIV has not been fully suppressed at delivery.
Researchers found that 1% penciclovir cream is safe and well-tolerated when used to treat feline herpesvirus type 1-related eye infections. The cream maintained antiviral levels for over eight hours, suggesting twice-daily use could effectively manage the condition.
A new class of antivirals called Pin1 inhibitors has shown promise in reducing or stopping outbreaks of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the common infection behind oral herpes. By stabilizing nuclear membrane structure, Pin1 inhibitors physically trap the virus in the cell nucleus, preventing it from escaping.
A new human lung alveolus chip model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy. The study achieved significant reductions in virus load and host inflammatory response after a single administration.
Researchers at Shinshu University found that cardamom seed extract enhances the production of antiviral proteins called type I interferons, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections. The study suggests that cardamom could be a potential source of antiviral treatment.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a potential universal antiviral therapy inspired by a rare immune condition that grants individuals resistance to all viruses. The therapy mimics the immune superpowers of people with ISG15 deficiency, which causes mild but persistent systemic inflammation.
Researchers found that Fen1 protein improves cell tolerance to alovudine by counteracting the toxic effect of 53BP1. This discovery promises new cancer treatments and biomarkers for cancerous cells with Fen1 deficiency.
Emerging evidence highlights the involvement of extracellular RNAs in the antiviral defense process, with microRNAs binding viral genomes via base-pairing interactions to inhibit expression. RNA immunity represents a complementary arm of the mammalian immune system, functionally independent of traditional protein-based defenses.
A new drug pairing of Theobromine and Arainosine has been developed to target the influenza virus's ion channel, effectively blocking its replication and spread. This breakthrough combo outperforms Tamiflu in fighting a range of flu strains, including drug-resistant versions.
Researchers used an optogenetic platform to discover dozens of molecules that can act as pan-antivirals, including two chemical scaffolds that could serve as development candidates. The compounds were tested on Zika, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and herpes, showing promising results.
Scientists at Rockefeller University discovered critical errors in a 2022 study on the NiRAN domain, a key enzyme region in SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. The team's findings could have sweeping implications for drug developers working to design antivirals based on flawed assumptions.
A national survey reveals nearly one-third of US adults would not or might not test for suspected COVID-19 due to lack of perceived value. This test hesitancy can delay oral antiviral initiation and potentially lead to missed opportunities to limit transmission.
Researchers discover iguratimod, a rheumatoid arthritis drug, effectively treats excessive COVID-19 inflammation in mice by maintaining antiviral immune responses. The study provides hope for patients with severe COVID-19-related cytokine storms.
Researchers have identified a critical step in SARS-CoV-2 viral infection: the protective role of ORF3a, which forms dense bodies surrounding the spike protein to prevent it from being cut into smaller components. This finding could lead to new therapeutic targets and vaccine development strategies.
A new study found that eight times more American young adults now take HIV-prevention medication than a decade ago, but inconsistent use and barriers persist. PrEP can reduce the chances of acquiring HIV by 99%, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers and public health agencies to promote consistent use among high-risk patients.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that the influenza A virus exploits a protein called AGO2 to regulate gene activity and weaken the immune system. An existing drug, arsenic trioxide, showed promise in increasing interferon production and reducing viral loads.
Researchers developed a carbene-catalyzed phthalide ether functionalization method, creating chiral phytovirucides targeting the viral Nia protein. The compounds showed superior antiviral efficacy against Potato virus Y (PVY), with potential for developing new plant viruses management strategies.
Researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify over 30 viable treatments for diseases caused by bat-borne Nipah and Hendra henipaviruses. The study used Rhodium software to virtually screen compounds based on the protein structure of the measles virus.
A multi-state study found that only half of high-risk adults with flu received antiviral treatment, highlighting a critical need for timely care. The gap in treatment increases the risk of severe flu complications, particularly among older adults and those with underlying conditions.
The study analyzed 54 U.S. studies and found no significant association with serious adverse events for oral antivirals like Paxlovid or monoclonal antibodies. Actemra was associated with infection and low white blood cell counts, while transfusions of convalescent plasma were linked to internal bleeding and blood clots.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a drug compound that can prevent long COVID symptoms in mice, including brain and lung dysfunction. The study also found that the compound can treat acute COVID with better efficacy than Paxlovid, the leading treatment currently approved for COVID-19.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed an oral antiviral drug candidate that overcomes Paxlovid's limitations, providing 90% protection against SARS-CoV-2 with lower doses. The new compound, Jun13296, targets a different viral protein and works alone, addressing major side effects associated with Paxlovid.
A recent study identifies 11 natural compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including caffeine, which exhibits high binding stability and excellent solubility. The discovery highlights the potential of natural products in combating COVID-19 and demonstrates the versatility of widely known compounds like caffeine.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that frequently used flu antivirals do not work well against the H5N1 avian influenza virus in cows' milk. The study showed that reducing infection risk through methods like avoiding raw milk and minimizing dairy farm workers' exposures may be more effective interventions.
A major clinical trial has identified ensitrelvir as an effective medication to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 in people exposed within households. The trial showed a 67% reduction in risk of illness among participants taking the antiviral compared to those given a placebo.
Researchers have developed a new computational modeling approach to capture the complex shapes that viral proteins can adopt. By applying this approach to a key protein involved in COVID-19 replication, scientists have created a detailed picture of its dynamic behavior.
A West Virginia University legal scholar argues that current laws favor biologic drugs with longer exclusivity periods, affecting their pricing. The scholar suggests reducing exclusivity for biologics to bring them in line with small-molecule drugs, which could lower drug costs.
A new EU research project, Vigilant, aims to develop compounds with broad antiviral activity to limit the spread of viruses. The project will focus on viral envelope proteins and investigate innovative approaches to antiviral therapy.
Researchers found associations between antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory drugs with reduced dementia risk. The study pooled data from over 130 million individuals, identifying potential repurposed treatments for dementia.
Researchers at Texas Biomed identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas that enable it to more easily replicate in human cells and cause severe disease. Approved antivirals still effectively combat the virus, according to mouse studies.
A recent case series suggests that an extended course of Paxlovid may help some patients with long Covid experience sustained improvements in their symptoms. The study, published in Communications Medicine, found that five out of 13 patients experienced significant symptom relief after taking the antiviral drug for 15 days.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that adherence to national medical guidelines for using antiviral medications in young children with influenza is limited. Almost half of hospitalized children did not receive antiviral therapy, highlighting the need for improved clinical testing and treatment.
The Study of Tecovirimat for Mpox (STOMP) trial found that tecovirimat was safe but did not improve mpox resolution or pain in adults with mild to moderate clade II mpox. The study recommended stopping further enrollment due to the lack of efficacy signal.
EV25, a bispecific small molecule developed by Eradivir, acts faster than the current standard of care, eliminating detectable virus within 24 hours. It also recruits naturally occurring antibodies to fight the virus, reducing viral loads and protecting against lung damage.
Researchers found that using valacyclovir for a year can decrease the risk of new or worsening eye disease and prevent vision loss associated with shingles. The study, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed that this treatment reduced the risk of complications by 30%.
Researchers isolated drug-resistant strains of SARS-CoV-2 from immunocompromised individuals who received antiviral treatments. The virus variants showed resistance to Paxlovid and remdesivir, highlighting the need for combination therapy to treat COVID-19 in highly vulnerable patients.
A study led by Cesar de la Fuente and his team has uncovered sequences for infection-fighting molecules in the genomic data of extinct species. These ancient β-defensins may lead to the creation of new antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatments.
A new study published in Microorganisms highlights the importance of small molecule drugs that target the unchanging parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research suggests that these stable targets could provide a consistent and reliable treatment option for COVID-19, even as vaccines are updated to address changing viral strains.
A global therapeutics development coalition is proposed to invigorate the pipeline and drive advocacy for increased investment. The coalition aims to develop two Phase-2 ready therapeutics for virus families of pandemic potential, with a focus on equitable access.
A recent study suggests that starting antiviral treatment as late as 14 days after COVID-19 infection can still provide benefits for immunocompromised patients. The research found that drugs like paxlovid and molnupiravir can inhibit virus replication, even if initiated up to 14 days after infection.
Researchers characterized bemnifosbuvir's activation cascade at atomic resolution, paving the way for the design of new broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. The study provides insights into the mechanism of action of this antiviral compound, which could lead to more effective treatments against various viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.
Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.
A new drug has shown promise in clearing HIV from the brain by targeting infected cells and reducing viral load. The treatment, BLZ945, successfully cleared the virus from brain tissue, providing a potential new avenue for HIV treatment.
Researchers at George Mason University's Center for Infectious Disease Research have made a breakthrough in finding a functional cure for HIV. Using an HIV-like virus particle called HIV Rev-dependent lentiviral vector, the team was able to reduce viral reservoirs and boost the immune system to produce antiviral neutralizing antibodies.
A 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not demonstrate a significant improvement in select postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms in vaccinated adults with prolonged symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in PASC treatment.