Articles tagged with Antivirals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.