Articles tagged with Antivirals
Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully created artificial enzymes, known as XNAzymes, that can target and destroy the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, a promising approach to develop new antiviral drugs. The engineered enzymes are highly specific and can be programmed to attack mutated RNAs involved in cancer or other diseases.
Studies found that sotrovimab reduced the risk of severe covid-19 outcomes by 46% compared to molnupiravir. However, no benefit was found for common heart drugs like ARBs in a randomised controlled trial.
Researchers found two Korean native plants' saponins inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells by blocking membrane fusion. These compounds show promise in treating COVID-19, especially for asymptomatic cases.
Researchers identified specific monkeypox mutations that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The virus is accumulating mutations where drugs and antibodies from vaccines are supposed to bind, making it smarter and more infectious.
A new study found that Black veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 were less likely to receive evidence-based treatments such as steroids and remdesivir compared to their white counterparts. However, the study also found that disparities in treatment did not translate to higher mortality rates or readmission rates among Black patients.
Experiments in cell cultures and mice showed that blocking the function of NSUN2 triggers a powerful innate immune response, dramatically lowering viral replication and protecting lung tissue. This finding could help change the approach to developing antiviral medications.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team created a discovery tool outlining interactions between COVID-19 and host proteins, identifying potential host-targeting therapies. The study confirmed over 200 interactions and discovered new ones, highlighting promising approaches for treating COVID-19.
A retrospective cohort study of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 found significant reductions in all-cause mortality and disease progression among those receiving oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. The study supports the use of these antivirals in this population.
A UNIGE team identified a three-step mechanism that allows our body to defend itself against hepatitis B. The complex detects the viral DNA, traps it, and inhibits the virus' chromosome.
A new drug, NMT5, has shown promising results in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. The drug coats the virus with chemicals that temporarily alter the human ACE2 receptor, preventing it from infecting cells. In cell culture experiments, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevented from attaching to human ACE2 receptors by 95%.
Recent media releases from UK government agencies and NHS organizations lack objectivity and provide unbalanced information on prescription-only medicines. The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin expresses concerns over the use of hyperbolic language and omission of key information about potential harms and benefits.
A new study identified a remdesivir-resistant version of COVID-19 in two kidney transplant patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs. The virus developed the V7921 gene mutation, which allows it to resist antiviral therapy, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential development of additional treatments.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's FRIC found that cytoskeleton disruption is a key signal for the body to respond to viruses. This discovery has potential implications for developing new anti-viral vaccines and treatments.
A synthetic prophylactic gel developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has shown promising results in lab tests, with a 70% effectiveness rate against HIV and an 80% effectiveness rate against herpes.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered how Zika virus forces dendritic cells to churn out lipid molecules, allowing the virus to build copies of itself. This study provides a major step forward in developing antiviral therapies against multiple flavivirus infections.
Researchers developed a novel, single-dose, intranasal treatment that reduces symptoms and viral shedding of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. The therapeutic interfering particle (TIP) treatment effectively blocks COVID-19 transmission in animal models.
Researchers found that RK-33 inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to replicate in host cells, making it a potential broad-spectrum antiviral agent. The study showed that RK-33's antiviral capability remains consistent across four SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A UC Davis Health study found that tecovirimat appears to be safe and effective for treating monkeypox symptoms and skin lesions. The study, which included 25 patients with confirmed monkeypox infection, showed that 92% of patients had lesions in their genital or anal area, while 40% healed from their lesions within a week of treatment.
A large, randomized trial found that metformin reduced serious COVID-19 outcomes by more than half in high-risk patients when started early. The study compared three medications and provided valuable insights into their effects on COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have found that fluoxetine and its analogue AKS466 can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus replication by trapping it in lysosomes and suppressing acid ceramidases, a new potential target for antiviral therapy.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a combination of antiviral drugs and antibody therapies that is more effective than either approach alone. The combination boosts the virus-fighting properties of antibodies, which work by binding to infected cells and triggering the immune system to kill them.
The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, led by the University of Minnesota, aims to discover effective responses to pandemics through basic, translational, and clinical research. Researchers at UIC are developing an antiviral therapy for filoviruses like Ebola with a potential drug ready for human testing within three to five years.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a digital system called Drugvirus.info that can identify the most effective medicinal mix against viruses, reducing development time from years to months. This approach could lead to the creation of new treatments for 200 viral diseases, saving millions of euros and lives.
Researchers from the University of Kent have identified new combination therapies effective against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta viruses, which may reduce novel variant formation. The study suggests that interferon-beta combinations with antiviral drugs like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir are more effective than current treatments.
A cohort study found that reinfection rates are low after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs, suggesting a benefit of treatment in this population. The risk for reinfection was highest among those with ongoing injecting drug use and needle sharing.
Molnupiravir's efficacy is affected by SARS-CoV-2 variant type and biological sex of patients, according to the study. The drug showed variable results in dwarf hamsters infected with omicron, but was more effective in males than females.
Researchers found that nirmatrelvir–ritonavir and molnupiravir likely reduced the risk of hospital admission by 46.2 and 16.3 admissions per 1000, respectively. The findings have implications for health care systems and clinical guidelines.
Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.
A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.
MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.
Researchers developed a new method to quickly screen large numbers of molecules for activity against the nsp13 protein, which is essential for viral replication. The approach identified six promising compounds as potential starting points for antiviral drug development.
Researchers report that apratoxin S4, an anticancer drug candidate, can interfere with viral replication in human cells. The compound was effective against multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and Zika virus. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential as a broadly acting antiviral.
Researchers have discovered llama-derived immune particles that provide strong protection against a vast array of SARS-like viruses, including COVID-19. These 'super-immunity' molecules, known as nanobodies, could be used to develop a fast-acting, inhalable antiviral treatment or spray.
Researchers found that lamivudine improved cognition in a mouse model of Down syndrome, which could lead to new pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment. The study highlights the potential of targeting retrotransposons, segments of DNA that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Rensselaer researchers will use a five-year grant to develop novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's CLpro and PLpro proteases. The team aims to create an orally bioavailable drug that can be administered at home, with the potential for improved antiviral activity when combined with other drugs like remdesivir.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have identified modified plant compounds that can effectively inhibit the replication of the hepatitis E virus. The study found that these compounds, known as rocaglates, have a stronger effect than natural ones, with some showing inhibition at concentrations as low as 0.5 nanomolar.
Researchers at Georgia State University have identified an oral antiviral drug, AVG-388, that effectively blocks RSV's RNA polymerase, a key target for replication. The study demonstrates potent antiviral activity in animal models and human airway epithelium organoid cultures.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an accessible way to make N95 face masks that can kill viruses and bacteria on contact. The antiviral masks use a simple process with widely available tools, reducing plastic waste by allowing for longer wear.
Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.
A University of Waterloo study found that current Hepatitis B vaccination, screening, and treatment strategies in Ontario would leave the province short of its goal to reduce preventable infections. The report's authors developed a computer model simulating long-term effects of existing strategies, which they found would only decrease ...
Researchers developed a novel nanobody-based detection method for recombinant human interferon α2b (rhIFNα2b), which has a lower detection limit than existing methods. The assay's operation time was shortened from two days to a few minutes, making it suitable for rapid market counterfeit detection and early diagnosis of hepatitis.
A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.
A global black market for COVID-19 antiviral drugs is emerging, putting patients' health in jeopardy due to unequal distribution and substandard products. The investigation found that patients are buying pills online without medical supervision, increasing the risk of birth defects and viral resistance.
Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded over $6 million to develop antiviral drugs targeting COVID-19 and other viral threats. The funding will support the establishment of a new Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, which aims to build a pipeline of antiviral drugs.
A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.
The University of Minnesota has received a $66 million grant from the NIAID to establish a center for developing antiviral drugs for pandemic-level viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center will bring together investigators from the University and sixteen other institutions nationwide.
The current monkeypox outbreak is more widespread than previous ones outside of Africa, with significant cases reported in Europe, the UK, and North America. A notable increase in cases among men who have sex with men has been observed, although the cause remains unclear.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that the repurposed antibiotic clofoctol may be an effective therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2 infected mice, with decreased viral load, reduced inflammatory gene expression, and lowered pulmonary pathology. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.
The NIAID has awarded $577 million to establish nine Antiviral Drug Discovery Centers to develop candidate COVID-19 antivirals. The centers will conduct innovative research to identify novel viral targets and develop small molecules and biotherapeutics to block viral targets.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel class of therapeutics called feedback disruptors that target viral proteins' negative feedback loops. These drugs break the genetic feedback circuits, causing infected cells to self-destruct and stopping infection in its tracks.
Research found that SARS-CoV-2 relies on human transmembrane proteins, especially IFITM2, to replicate efficiently and produce infectious viruses. Antibodies targeting IFITM2 can protect lung cells from infection, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach by targeting host factors instead of viral ones.
Researchers found that copper-coated surfaces significantly reduced viral load after one hour, while silver-coated surfaces had no effect on infectivity. The team investigated the antiviral properties of various metal-based sacrificial anodes and discovered a clear antiviral effect of copper against Sars-Cov-2.
A laboratory study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers detected COVID-19 virus developing resistance to remdesivir through mutations in the polymerase enzyme. The study highlights the importance of monitoring for resistance and developing combination therapies.
The World Health Organization recommends Pfizer's nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for non-severe COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospitalization, reducing hospital admissions by 84 per 1,000 patients. The guideline also suggests using remdesivir for high-risk patients and acknowledges cost and resource implications.
Recent advances in nanomaterial-based antiviral strategies have generated promising results, including antiviral nanodrugs, drug nanocarriers, and nanovaccines. These nano-sized particles can be useful for targeted delivery of antiviral treatments, leading to improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity.
Researchers developed a solid-state photocatalyst using TiO2 and CuO nanoclusters to inactivate various variants of SARS-CoV-2. The material is effective under both darkness and indoor light, making it suitable for reducing COVID-19 infection risk in indoor environments.
Researchers developed a protein-based antiviral nasal spray that thwarts infection by interfering with the virus' ability to enter cells. The treatment neutralizes all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron subvariants, and is more cost-effective and self-administerable than current antibody therapies.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered how SARS and MERS coronaviruses block the induction of antiviral proteins, preventing a strong immune response. This finding has potential implications for developing new therapeutic options to treat COVID-19 and future deadly coronaviruses.
Scientists are working on understanding the interplay between flaviviruses and mitochondria in hopes of finding new treatment options. By deciphering this process, researchers may be able to find broad-spectrum therapeutic targets for diseases like Zika, dengue, and West Nile.
New data from the MOVe-OUT trial reveals that molnupiravir significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection within three days of treatment. In contrast, those receiving a placebo took up to five days to clear the virus. The study confirms molnupiravir's effectiveness in accelerating viral RNA decline and eliminating infectious virus.