Articles tagged with Antivirals
BGE-175 effectively prevents death in a mouse model of COVID-19 by reversing immune aging, suggesting its potential to protect elderly patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The drug restores the immune system to a more youthful state by blocking the PGD2-DP1 pathway.
Researchers have discovered that sea sponges themselves produce biologically active compounds, including terpenes with potential malaria-fighting properties. This finding represents a 'fundamental shift' in the field and opens up new avenues for drug discovery using animals as vessels.
Researchers found that the Pfizer antiviral drug Paxlovid still quashes COVID by targeting a key protein involved in replicating the virus. The study also identified signs of emerging mutations, indicating an urgent need for new drugs to combat potential resistance.
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed two human antibodies that target Ebola virus and Sudan virus, showing promise for a powerful antiviral therapy. The antibodies, 1C3 and 1C11, can block three glycoprotein sites on the virus at once and target the fusion machinery used by the viruses to infect host cells.
Aled Edwards emphasizes the importance of basic and applied research in developing effective COVID-19 vaccines. He also stresses the need for better vaccination implementation, increased global access to vaccines, and a cultural shift towards viewing access to new medicines as a right rather than an asset.
Lab tests show antiviral therapies like remdesivir, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir remain effective against the BA.2 variant. Some monoclonal antibodies, such as Evusheld, also appear to be more effective against BA.2 than earlier strains.
Researchers found that tannic acid targets the RBD protein and enzymes involved in viral entry and replication, suggesting its potential as a preventative or therapeutic agent. The polyphenol's low toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive alternative to existing antivirals.
Researchers discovered that combining polymerase and exonuclease inhibitors reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication by 10 times more than single polymerase inhibitors. This combination approach has great potential to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
Researchers developed a two-step synthesis route for NK0238, an amino acid-derived pesticide, with high atom economy and yield. The compound exhibited broad antiviral activity against multiple plant viruses, outperforming existing agents in terms of efficacy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has conditionally recommended molnupiravir for patients with non-severe COVID-19 who are at highest risk of hospitalization, including those with weak immune systems or chronic diseases. The drug is expected to reduce the risk of hospital admission and time to symptom resolution.
A joint research team from Peking University developed a fine-scale library of pH-sensitive polymeric nanoprobes to accurately measure acidification levels of virus-infected cell membranes or viral envelopes. The polymer, GPS6.8, has broad-spectrum and efficient antiviral effects.
A new study found that bovine lactoferrin, a protein in cow milk, is effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WA1, B.1.1.7, and Delta variants. The research suggests that bovine lactoferrin could be used as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for COVID-19.
Researchers found that Neem bark components target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging coronavirus variants. The study showed the bark extract was effective in reducing virus replication and spread in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells.
A modeling study suggests that breast cancer overdiagnosis may occur in about 15% of screen-detected cases, rather than the estimated 30%. This could spare around 25,000 women unnecessary treatment. Researchers used data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium to estimate the rate of overdiagnosis.
A UC Riverside-led study has identified a potential antiviral therapy for SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses by targeting the papain-like protease enzyme. The research reveals that subgroup 2b PLpros selectively target specific host immune pathways, making them a promising target for future coronavirus therapeutics.
A study by Henry Ford Health System found that hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals are less likely to be hospitalized or seek emergency care for related health issues. The study's lead author notes that curing the virus improves overall patient health and reduces the risk of developing other conditions.
Researchers identified a powerful combination of antivirals that inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV-2 virus in human lung cells and mice. The combination of brequinar with either remdesivir or molnupiravir was found to be more potent than individual drugs, suggesting potential for reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
A team of scientists has identified specific interferon-alpha subtypes that elicit a strong immune response against Sars-Cov-2. These subtypes were found to be highly effective in suppressing the virus, even when combined with antiviral drugs like remdesivir.
Researchers at Uppsala University have designed a molecule that inhibits the replication of coronaviruses, including the new variant, with great potential for developing an antiviral drug. The molecule has been shown to be effective against both old and new variants, offering hope for treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a streamlined two-step synthesis strategy to produce neoechinulin B and its derivatives, exhibiting strong anti-HCV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. The novel process utilizes a piperazine-2,5-dione derivative and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as key reagents.
A clinical trial of niclosamide in COVID-19 patients found signals of benefit warranting further study. The medication showed potential in reducing contagiousness and symptoms, particularly in higher-risk populations.
Researchers have identified a powerful combination of antivirals to treat COVID-19 by combining brequinar with remdesivir or molnupiravir. The combinations inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human respiratory cells and mice, suggesting increased potency compared to individual drugs.
A new study reveals that the Omicron variant is sensitive to inhibition by the interferon response, an unspecific immune reaction present in all body cells. This provides the first explanation for why COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron are less likely to experience severe disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified 46 specific mutations in the Omicron variant that enable it to evade pre-existing antibodies. These mutations are particularly prevalent in the region where antibodies bind to the virus, making them a key target for future antiviral treatments.
A randomized controlled trial found that remdesivir reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study involved 1282 patients and showed that those treated with remdesivir were able to come off oxygen and ventilators sooner than those receiving standard care.
Northwestern University scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the Zika virus to evade the antiviral response of host cells. The study reveals how the virus suppresses interferon signaling to gain access to cells, providing a new target for antiviral therapeutics.
A new study sheds light on the molecular interactions between remdesivir and various viruses, revealing why it works against SARS-CoV-2 but not others like influenza. The findings aim to develop broad-spectrum therapies for future pandemics.
Researchers create plan for proactively developing drug cocktails against virus families, aiming to provide effective treatments in weeks, not months. The approach prioritizes combination therapy to reduce disease spread and limit viral adaptation.
Researchers developed a high-throughput platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds, targeting the macrodomain protein. The platform identified existing drugs that block macrodomain activity, including dasatinib, which shows promise as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes developed a new class of antiviral therapy that can track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, reducing the chance of reduced efficacy against new variants. The single-dose intranasal treatment showed significant reduction in viral load and prevented disease in animals.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.
Researchers have successfully determined the structure of the Lassa viral polymerase, a key component in viral replication, using cryo-electron microscopy. This breakthrough provides crucial insights into how to design drugs that can stop the infection, offering hope for developing an effective antiviral.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a new candidate antiviral drug, 4’-FlU, which shows potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory RNA viruses. The study demonstrates that 4’-FlU induces termination of the viral polymerase, aborting replication and offering a strong therapeutic asset.
Researchers at Duke University have identified chemical compounds that can latch onto the coronavirus's 3D RNA structures and block replication. The compounds, which target the virus's RNA specifically, offer a new mechanism of action against COVID-19.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham found a plant-based antiviral treatment to be effective in blocking the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The novel natural antiviral drug, thapsigargin, was shown to trigger a broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against all variants of the virus.
A gene-silencing therapy harnessing nanoparticles called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for drug delivery has protected against Zika virus transmission in pregnant mice to the mouse fetuses. The treatment reduced fetal neurological damage, including virus-induced brain shrinkage.
A Yale team has discovered an RNA molecule, SLR14, that stimulates the body's early antiviral defense system to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants. This therapy holds promise as a new class of RNA therapeutics for treating COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients.
Paxlovid demonstrates significant efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 virus, reducing hospitalization and death risks in adult patients by up to 89%. The treatment's development involved cutting-edge X-ray technology from the Advanced Photon Source.
A modified version of remdesivir, a COVID-19 treatment, has shown high effectiveness in suppressing SARS-CoV-2 replication and transmission when given orally. The study found that the oral prodrug could be a powerful tool for healthcare workers to combat highly infectious variants.
Scientists have engineered enzymes to manufacture molnupiravir, resulting in a shorter and higher-yielding synthesis. The new method reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 for newly diagnosed patients, showing promise as an antiviral treatment.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the pentose phosphate pathway, which is necessary for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The study found that inhibiting this pathway with benfooxythiamine suppresses viral replication and reduces virus production.
Researchers identified two nanobodies that specifically target and stabilize the tetrameric form of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9, potentially repressing viral replication. These findings suggest a new antiviral strategy for diagnosis and treatment against COVID-19.
Scientists have identified the molecular origins of recombination in RNA viruses, a process that can lead to the emergence of new variants. The study reveals a new class of antiviral drugs that target this mechanism, but warns of potential risks when used in large quantities.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found lactoferrin to have promising efficacy in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19. Lactoferrin may also play a beneficial role in managing symptoms and recovery for patients suffering from RTIs.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
Researchers have developed a chemical compound that interferes with the entry of coronaviruses into human cells, targeting the transmembrane serine protease 2 protein. The compound, MM3122, has shown potential in preventing infection and reducing disease severity, with effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.
Researchers developed a versatile composite fabric that can deactivate both biological threats like SARS-CoV-2 and chemical threats like chemical warfare. The material is also reusable and scalable.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created D-peptides that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and several of its variants, stopping infection in cultured human cells. The mirror-image peptides are stable, inexpensive to produce, and may be formulated as a nasal spray to prevent infection.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an ultrapotent inhibitor of the dengue virus, effective against all known variants. The antiviral molecule is also suitable for prevention purposes and has shown promising results in mouse tests, with a low dose being extremely effective.
Dr. Gack's research focuses on identifying broad-spectrum antiviral drug targets and has implications for developing effective treatments against COVID-19 and other viral threats. The $5.6 million NIH grant will support her investigation into targeting human enzymes essential for virus replication.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has received $3.2 million to upgrade its Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, enhancing research on infectious diseases including COVID-19. The lab, a Biosafety Level 3 facility, will receive advanced equipment for basic research and preclinical studies.
A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers identified five specific mutations prevalent in Delta Plus infections compared to Delta, highlighting the need for expanded antiviral tools. The findings provide clues on how the virus mutates and evade antibodies produced from previous COVID-19 infections or vaccinations.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a simple, cost-effective method to deposit liquid metal copper alloy nanoparticles onto fabrics, creating an effective antiviral and antimicrobial coating. The coating eradicated over 99% of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, within five minutes.
Researchers designed novel molecules that bound tightly to SARS-CoV-2's molecular scissors, inhibiting the virus's replication. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.
A new study found that subscription-based payment models increased HCV prescription fills by 534% in Louisiana and improved population health. The model incentivizes states to treat as many individuals who benefit from HCV treatment, aligning with the WHO's goal to eradicate the virus by 2030.
Researchers have identified an N-benzyl hydroxypyridone carboxamide hit that inhibits HCMV in submicromolar range, exhibiting a structure-activity relationship and good selectivity index. The compound also displays favorable ADME properties
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
A rare rheumatoid-like autoinflammatory condition is found to be treatable with FDA-approved TNF inhibitors due to the absence of a protein that activates antiviral defenses. Researchers confirm its underlying biology and mechanisms of autoinflammation, leading to quick and substantial clinical improvement.