Articles tagged with Antivirals
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.
A study by Yale researchers found that rhinovirus, the common cold virus, can prevent influenza virus from infecting airways by triggering antiviral defenses. This finding helps explain why there was no surge in swine flu cases in Europe during a similar period when the common cold became widespread.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully treated hepatitis C-infected kidneys in transplant patients using glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. The study shows that early antiviral intervention can cure the virus without serious side effects, paving the way for a significant increase in organ availability.
A new study reveals a wide array of previously unknown microbial defense mechanisms against viral threats, with 29 widespread novel defense mechanisms found in nearly one-third of all sequenced prokaryote genomes.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a protease inhibitor that effectively inhibits viral replication in cells with SARS-CoV-2. The drug has already shown little to no toxicity and is poised for human clinical trials.
A study led by University of California, Riverside scientists outlines the interaction between the Zika virus and its host's immune system. The research provides valuable information for developing vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
Scientists have engineered antiviral compounds that can neutralize several types of coronaviruses, including COVID-19 and MERS. These compounds showed strong activity against SARS-CoV-2 and improved survival rates in mice infected with MERS.
Researchers have discovered a new broad-spectrum method to treat human herpes viruses by targeting their physical properties rather than proteins. This approach prevents genes from leaving the virus and infecting cells, making it effective against resistant strains.
Researchers found seaweed extracts to be more effective than remdesivir in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in mammalian cells. The decoy strategy involves locking onto a similar molecule on the surface of human cells, trapping and degrading the virus.
Researchers found that adding green tea extract to a film-forming substance killed norovirus and two types of bacteria. The study suggests that edible films with antimicrobial agents, like green tea extract, could lower the risk of norovirus transmission through contaminated food.
A new experimental drug that inhibits AHR has been shown to effectively combat Zika virus replication and prevent microcephaly in mouse fetuses. The study found a significant reduction in viral load and histopathological changes, suggesting a promising antiviral therapy.
A study published in the Journal of General Virology found that curcumin can prevent TGEV infection and kill virus particles. This antiviral property could be beneficial in preventing diseases caused by TGEV in piglets.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that heparin, a common blood thinner, can effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The drug binds tightly to the surface spike protein of the virus, preventing it from infecting human cells and potentially reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
Scientists at Georgia State University have identified a potent and well-tolerated antiviral compound, GHP-88309, that targets paramyxovirus polymerases. The compound is effective against both human parainfluenzaviruses and the measles virus.
A multidisciplinary team from UTMB has uncovered a new mechanism for designing antiviral drugs for dengue virus. The co-crystal structure of the dengue capsid protein in complex with an inhibitor provides atomic details of how the inhibitor blocks viral infection.
Dr. Richard Plemper, a Georgia State University researcher, has received a $3.65 million grant to develop antiviral therapeutics for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. The goal is to create cost-effective and well-tolerated treatments for RSV, which affects over three million hospitalizations annually.
Researchers used a structure-based approach to virtually screen antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2, identifying potential candidates for repurposed therapies and new vaccines. The study found high-affinity binding of several antiviral drugs to the spike protein and main protease, revealing promising leads for further research.
Researchers used recommender algorithms to suggest antiviral compounds based on latent relationships in chemical and biological data. They successfully pinpointed promising drug candidates with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
The hepatitis C virus exploits an immune protein called cyclophilin A to evade the immune system's defenses. Blocking this protein can impair the virus's ability to replicate and boost the immune response.
Researchers found that a newer flu treatment, baloxavir, can dramatically reduce the contagious period of infected patients, preventing millions of infections and saving thousands of lives. Early treatment with this drug could be crucial in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
A study found a dramatic surge in hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost half a million excess fills compared to 2019. The surge occurred after March 15 and was likely due to off-label prescribing for COVID-19, raising concerns about safety and efficacy.
EIDD-2801 targets the same viral enzyme as remdesivir but is an oral medication, allowing treatment earlier in the course of the disease. The antiviral works by mimicking two different RNA bases, confusing the viral genome and resulting in non-functional viruses.
The Department of Defense has awarded $10M to Sanford Burnham Prebys to develop broad-spectrum antivirals that can combat multiple respiratory viruses. The research aims to provide safe and effective therapies for U.S. military forces and the nation, reducing secondary infections and spread.
Researchers found that niclosamide and ciclesonide showed potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. These findings suggest potential for these FDA-approved drugs to combat COVID-19 with further development or drug formulation.
A University of Missouri researcher has identified four antiviral drugs that could potentially treat COVID-19, including remdesivir and 5-fluorouracil. The study found that these drugs can inhibit the replication of the coronavirus by blocking its RNA proteins.
Chinese scientists developed two novel compounds that inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and show good anti-viral activity in cell culture. The high-resolution crystal structure of the complexes revealed the mechanism of inhibition, providing a promising strategy for designing specific antiviral leads against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers developed a novel method to predict antiviral drug targets by analyzing conformational changes in viral glycoproteins. The method, published in Journal of Computational Biology, identifies regions with high free energy, which may be promising for future antiviral drugs or vaccines.
Scientists create glycomimetic molecules with varying lengths that mimic natural GAGs to prevent viral attachment and infection. These 'antiviral candy canes' show promise against multiple viruses, including Herpes and Influenza viruses.
A study of 86 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 found that lopinavir/ritonavir and Arbidol did not improve clinical outcomes or reduce symptoms, but may cause side effects. The findings suggest caution when using these antivirals for treatment.
Scientists at the University of Alberta have shown that remdesivir is highly effective in stopping the replication mechanism of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The drug works by tricking the virus into incorporating itself as a building block, effectively preventing it from replicating.
A team of Chinese scientists has determined the high-resolution crystal structure of the COVID-19 main protease and identified six compounds that inhibit its activity. The researchers used a combination of structure-based design, virtual screening, and high-throughput screening to identify these potential inhibitors.
A study analyzing patients treated with remdesivir found clinical improvement in 68% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The experimental therapy also showed potential in reducing the need for mechanical ventilators and hospital discharge.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have made significant progress in developing drugs to treat COVID-19. The team, led by Wenshe Ray Liu, has refocused on searching for antiviral medicines to counteract the virus and its variants, with a focus on preventing replication inside human cells.
Researchers have discovered a new antiviral drug called EIDD-2801 that could change the way doctors treat COVID-19. The drug has shown promise in reducing lung damage and has been found to be effective in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Monash University researchers have identified an anti-parasitic drug, Ivermectin, as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The study found that a single dose of the drug can stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus from growing in cell culture within 48 hours.
A medical mystery was solved when a severely ill patient was tested and diagnosed with COVID-19, leading to changes in CDC guidelines. The case highlights the importance of testing and demonstrates that even without clear risk factors or exposure, patients can still be infected.
Researchers at UC Davis are conducting two clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir and sarilumab in treating hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The studies aim to identify early signs of clinical benefit while avoiding ineffective therapies in critically ill patients.
Researchers are exploring various treatment options for COVID-19, including the use of antiviral medications like remdesivir and tilarone. Several vaccine candidates are also being developed to combat the virus, with experts predicting a 12-18 month timeline for their completion.
Researchers have successfully developed a new, efficient method to create water-soluble fullerene compounds with high anti-HIV activity. This breakthrough could pave the way for new-generation drugs based on these compounds, offering hope for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A new study found that reactivated HSV in trigeminal nerves of laboratory mice kills off at least a portion of sensory neurons. Antiviral drugs like acyclovir can prevent this outcome, suggesting a potential strategy for preventing neurodegeneration related to HSV reactivation.
A systematic evidence review by OHSU researchers found that new direct-acting antiviral therapies are highly effective in eliminating the Hepatitis C virus infection. The review informed a new recommendation for universal screening of Hepatitis C, with the therapy being more than 95% effective even in young people.
Four research teams at Columbia University will pursue four different approaches to develop drugs and antibodies against the new coronavirus. They aim to identify protease inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, with the goal of advancing at least one compound into clinical trials within a year.
A team from Osaka University has developed a method to quickly identify optimal parameters for complex reactions, reducing time, materials, and cost. Using machine learning and flow systems, they achieved high yields and purity of a potential therapeutic agent with improved selectivity.
Researchers at Mass General Hospital identified Argonaute 4 as a key protein protecting cells against viral infections. Boosting levels of AGO4 could provide protection against multiple viruses, and the study aims to understand how the immune system works to create treatments that target various viruses.
Research suggests that inflammation-related genes are associated with biobehavioral factors like body mass index and smoking, while interferon-related genes are linked to individual demographic factors such as sex and race/ethnicity. The study's findings could help explain social disparities in chronic diseases that emerge decades later.
Researchers have developed a new antiviral material made from sugar that destroys viruses on contact, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments. The treatment has shown success against multiple viruses, including respiratory infections and genital herpes, and may help combat emerging viral diseases.
A new antiviral compound based on a protein found in bananas has been shown to safely protect against multiple strains of the influenza virus in mice, with over 80% survival rate. The compound also shows promise against Ebola, HIV and other deadly viruses, including a synergistic effect with Tamiflu.