Articles tagged with Antivirals
Researchers at Max Planck Institute elucidated the molecular mechanism of Molnupiravir, an antiviral agent that reduces Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission. By incorporating RNA-like building blocks into the virus genome, Molnupiravir prevents further replication and transmission.
Researchers discover a new way for an antiviral enzyme to detect and destroy viruses that hide inside cell membranes. The OAS1 p46 isoform enhances the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, flaviviruses, and other RNA viruses.
A study from the University of South Carolina's Environmental Health & Disease Laboratory found that andrographolide successfully restored bacteriomes and viromes, increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful bacteria. The treatment also decreased gut inflammation and neuroinflammation in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine modified remdesivir to create an oral version that can be taken earlier in COVID-19 diagnoses. The revised drug proved effective and safe in cell and animal studies.
Researchers found that patients who developed severe COVID-19 had a muted antiviral response in cells collected from nasal swabs at the time of diagnosis. This early response may determine the course of disease, opening up new avenues for interventions to prevent severe disease.
Researchers found that masitinib inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and reduced inflammation in human cell cultures and mouse models. The drug also showed effectiveness against multiple variants, including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, and other viruses such as picornaviruses.
A new trial found that remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine have no impact on viral clearance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite not affecting mortality, the treatment groups showed a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 load within the first week.
A joint research group from KAIST and Institut Pasteur Korea has identified 38 potential repurposed drugs for COVID-19 treatment using a virtual screening strategy. Seven compounds inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells, showing anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
A new study suggests that varying virus dynamics among patients may contribute to inconsistent clinical trial results for COVID-19 drugs. Recruiting participants shortly after symptom onset could reduce the number of participants needed to detect significant antiviral drug effects.
A new modeling study suggests that randomization and early recruitment in COVID-19 clinical trials can help identify effective antiviral drugs. The researchers found that timing of treatment initiation also plays a crucial role, with treatments administered within the first day of symptom onset showing improved outcomes.
A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science identified mefloquine as an effective drug against SARS-CoV-2. The study found that mefloquine reduced viral RNA levels when applied at the viral entry phase, and showed greater anti-viral activity in combination with Nelfinavir.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University of Dundee have identified 15 molecules that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by blocking different enzymes. Three of the molecules are existing drugs with known safety data, which could be developed into new COVID-19 treatments quickly.
Researchers found a new treatment approach that targets the body's cellular response to SARS-CoV-2, significantly reducing virus replication. The combination of two drugs reduces virus production in cells by up to 99.5%, making COVID-19 symptoms milder and recovery times faster.
Researchers at RUDN University have synthesized a new class of compounds that inhibit the replication of the deadly Hantaan virus, which causes acute haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The resulting substances are 5 times more effective than existing antiviral drugs and show promise for treatment development.
A comprehensive study has identified over a dozen existing drugs with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including four FDA-approved drugs and nine experimental compounds. The research suggests that these drugs could be repurposed as oral treatments for COVID-19 and may work in combination to enhance their effectiveness.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a promising oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The experimental drug TEMPOL can inhibit viral replication by degrading iron-sulfur clusters required by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA replicase enzyme.
Creating an oral antiviral has the potential to fully eradicate COVID-19 by allowing early treatment, preventing hospitalizations and fatalities. However, progress in antiviral development has been slow compared to vaccine development, highlighting the need for continued research.
Researchers at the University of Oxford and their international team have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 RNA interacts with host cells, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks more than 100 cellular proteins to replicate, providing a potential target for antiviral treatments.
A Stanford bioengineer has developed peptide-like molecules called peptoids that can retain therapeutic properties against viruses, offering a new approach to treating infectious diseases. The peptoids work by disrupting the virus's outer membrane, making them promising antiviral agents.
A new study from the University of Southern California finds that a Medicaid-Medicare partnership could save $1 to $1.1 billion over 25 years while treating hepatitis C cases. The model suggests that joint coverage of treatment would improve patient outcomes and reduce future healthcare costs.
Scientists at City of Hope and Griffith University have developed a novel direct-acting antiviral therapy that targets the genome of SARS-CoV-2, reducing viral load by 99.9%. The treatment uses siRNA technology and lipid nanoparticles to deliver the RNA to lung cells, where it silences viral genes.
Scientists at UCL have identified a new immunotherapy that targets acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), an enzyme helping to manage cholesterol levels in cells. Boosting ACAT inhibition boosts specific immune cells fighting both the virus and cancerous tumours, demonstrating its effectiveness as an immunotherapy.
Researchers discovered molnupiravir works by causing polymerase to make sloppy copies of viral genome, rendering them useless. The drug has shown promising results in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in newly diagnosed patients after five days of treatment.
Researchers propose targeting viral RNA with cylindrically-shaped molecules to block replication, effective against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV viruses. The approach could lead to broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs and provide a first line of defence against future pandemics.
Researchers discovered that optimally designed surfaces can accelerate virus decay, rendering them less likely to contribute to disease spread. The optimal design combines surface wettability and physical texture, creating a thin film that evaporates quickly.
Researchers found that combining hepatitis C drugs with remdesivir increases its effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 in cell studies. The synergistic effect could lead to orally administered antiviral treatments, expanding COVID-19 treatment options.
Researchers found that four hepatitis C drugs boost remdesivir's efficacy by up to tenfold in cell cultures. This combination therapy may provide an immediate treatment for unvaccinated individuals or those with waning immunity. The study aimed to develop an oral drug that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 like remdesivir.
A new study from the NIH found that MK-4482 treatment significantly decreased virus levels and lung damage in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. The treatment was effective when administered before or after infection, suggesting potential for mitigation of high-risk exposures.
Scientists identify 234 fragment compounds directly binding to SARS-CoV-2's Nsp3 Mac1 protein, mapping chemical motifs for potential antiviral drug development. The study lays out the next steps in designing and synthesizing more elaborate molecules with promising biological effects.
Researchers have identified four potent antiviral compounds targeting the PF74 binding site, exhibiting improved metabolic stability compared to PF74. One compound, analog 20, shows similar submicromolar potency and significantly longer half-life in human liver microsomes.
Scientists develop nasal antiviral spray that prevents SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets, suggesting its effectiveness in preventing infection in people exposed to the new coronavirus. The lipopeptide-based spray is inexpensive, stable, and does not require refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for halting COVID-19 spread globally.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School studied SARS-CoV-2 infections and found that remdesivir is effective in blocking virus replication in all cell types in the upper respiratory tract. The study also identified goblet cells as the main producer of pro-inflammatory responses, common in severe COVID-19 cases.
Researchers found that MB66, a vaginal film product containing monoclonal antibodies, is safe and effective in preventing HIV-1 and HSV-2. The product provided excellent antiviral protection for up to 24 hours after use, with high acceptability among women.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a novel antiviral property of thapsigargin, a plant-derived compound, which shows promise in treating COVID-19. The study found that thapsigargin triggers a highly effective broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respira...
Researchers at UT Austin identified the critical mechanism by which remdesivir inhibits coronavirus replication, paving the way for more potent drugs. The study's findings could lead to faster relief and reduced side effects for patients.
Infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection treated with a combination of immunoglobulin fetal therapy and neonatal therapy with antiviral drugs showed less severe aftereffects than those receiving only neonatal therapy. This integrated approach holds promise for reducing the number of children suffering from severe CMV infection.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered the coronavirus's 'Achilles' heel', a proofreading enzyme called nsp14-ExoN. This enzyme regulates RNA recombination and can be targeted to block viral replication, potentially leading to new treatments for COVID-19.
In preclinical studies, plitidepsin outperforms Remdesivir in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral load, offering a potential new therapy for COVID-19 treatment. Further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate its effectiveness in humans.
Research suggests adult males are twice as likely to die from severe COVID-19 as females due to biological factors, according to a new Perspective article. Differences in antiviral immune responses between the sexes, including sex-specific genes and hormone roles, may underlie this male bias.
Researchers have broken down the genomic and life history traits of three classes of RNA viruses, identifying natural products that could disrupt their spread. The study highlights potential treatment strategies, including the use of compounds produced by marine and terrestrial organisms with demonstrated antiviral activity.
A University of Cincinnati study found that remdesivir permanently stops the activity of an enzyme needed for medication breakdown, increasing toxicity with certain heart and anticancer drugs. The researcher recommends using remdesivir with caution in patients with specific enzymes and in proper dosages.
Scientists successfully produced C-nucleosides, the basic building blocks of RNA, using an enzyme called YeiN, offering a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis. This breakthrough has implications for the production of RNA-based therapeutic products, such as vaccines.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers suggests remdesivir is highly effective against SARS-CoV-2, particularly in patients with impaired immune systems. The drug significantly improves symptoms and virus levels in a patient with XLA, a rare genetic condition that affects antibody production.
A new study published in Science Advances found that a drug called phenylbutyrate can help cells clear herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses. When used in combination with acyclovir, the drug combo is more effective and reduces side effects associated with long-term use of acyclovir.
Recent studies suggest that Chloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have shown promise as COVID-19 antiviral agents, particularly in mild to medium severity cases. Prophylaxis with CQ/HCQ has also been supported by pre-clinical studies.
Researchers at UTHSC identified three drugs with antiviral properties that may improve efficacy when combined with remdesivir. The study proposes zuclopenthixol, nebivolol, and amodiaquine as potential candidates for clinical trials to combat COVID-19.
New drug compounds have been discovered that disrupt the functioning of a protein complex inside human cells, which is critical for coronavirus replication and survival. The compounds target viruses such as influenza, Ebola, and coronaviruses, showing broad-spectrum antiviral activity.
Effective early interventions can speed recovery, reduce severe outcomes, and alleviate healthcare demands for patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms. Research is ongoing to repurpose existing antivirals and develop new therapies targeting SARS-CoV-2.
A new study by Ashish Goyal and colleagues proposes that treating with potent antiviral therapy before peak viral load can effectively suppress viral AUC, reducing the duration of viral shedding. The model also suggests that timing is crucial in determining the effectiveness of different therapies against COVID-19.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered that hepatocytes, the primary cell type in the liver, actively defend against certain viruses by absorbing and silencing them. This finding opens up new avenues for developing treatments for viral illnesses, including COVID-19.
University of New Mexico researchers have identified three medications with potential to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection: amodiaquine, zuclophentixol, and nebivolol. These drugs showed promise in test tube experiments and could be combined with remdesivir for a more potent attack.
Researchers at HKU have identified a novel antiviral strategy for treating COVID-19, utilizing the metal-based compound ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication. RBC targets the viral helicase Nsp13, reducing viral loads by over 1,000-folds and mitigating symptoms.
VIDO-InterVac has been awarded a grant to determine the effectiveness of several antiviral compounds against COVID-19 using a hamster model. The project aims to develop a safe solution to end the pandemic as quickly as possible.
A new study found that hydroxychloroquine had no effect on reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in infected hamsters. In contrast, a high dose of favipiravir significantly reduced viral loads and prevented infection. Researchers are cautiously optimistic about the potential of favipiravir as a COVID-19 treatment.
A study by Uppsala University researchers suggests that nitric oxide may be an effective treatment for COVID-19, with antiviral properties that inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The compound is produced naturally in the body and has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost blood-oxygen saturation levels.
A team of researchers at MU, including an 8th grader and an undergraduate student, identified 3 specific mutations in the COVID-19 virus that may be contributing to its high infectivity in the US. The findings suggest a clearer picture of co-evolving mutations inside the virus.
A study found that patients with COVID-19 who presented within 3 days of symptom onset had more severe disease, including higher levels of organ failure, and were at increased risk for complications and death. Despite receiving antiviral therapy, mortality rates remained high in this group.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a novel mechanism of action by remdesivir against SARS-CoV-2, which affects the viral replication machinery. This finding is crucial for improving treatments and building on the existing antiviral drug.
Researchers identify a key viral protein with potential drug targets, revealing unique protonation mechanisms that could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral treatments. Small shifts in pH may alter the enzyme's shape, allowing for more effective treatment options against COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
Researchers have designed computer-generated antiviral proteins that protect lab-grown human cells from SARS-CoV-2 infection, rivalling the protective actions of best-known neutralizing antibodies. The most potent candidate, LCB1, is six times more effective on a per mass basis than reported monoclonal antibodies.