Study on Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents Published

Overview of the Research

A recent study featured in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases reviews established scientific data on 119 broad-spectrum antiviral agents that have been previously tested in humans. The research team proposes that repurposing these existing drugs for COVID-19 treatment could be an effective approach, especially considering the lengthy process required to identify and test new medications amid the pandemic.

Insights from the Researchers

Denis Kainov, an associate professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), stated, “Drug repurposing is a strategy for generating additional value from an existing drug by targeting diseases other than that for which it was originally intended.” He highlighted examples such as teicoplanin, oritavancin, dalbavancin, and monensin, which are approved antibiotics demonstrated to inhibit coronaviruses and other viruses in laboratory settings.

Database Availability

The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the identification and development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents—drugs effective against multiple viruses. They compiled data on 119 drugs that have been deemed safe for human use, which is accessible through a freely available database at https://drugvirus.info/.

Potential Treatments for COVID-19

In the context of the ongoing challenge posed by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the study identifies 31 broad-spectrum antiviral agents as potential treatments. The coronavirus family includes several viruses, notably SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, alongside the recently identified 2019-nCoV (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, there are no approved drugs or vaccines specifically aimed at treating coronavirus infections.

Antiviral Candidates and Clinical Trials

Among the antiviral drug candidates with preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness against 2019-nCoV are chloroquine and remdesivir, the latter of which has already progressed into clinical trials. Additionally, the researchers indicate that certain already approved antibiotics—oritavancin, dalbavancin, and monensin—as well as the anti-protozoal agent emetine, have exhibited antiviral activity against the coronavirus family, making them strong candidates for repurposing.

Impact on Global Health

The researchers also noted that clinical trials for potential treatments of 2019-nCoV infection have recently commenced, including drugs such as lopinavir, ritonavir, and remdesivir. By leveraging existing knowledge and repurposing drugs that have already undergone scientific scrutiny, the researchers believe it is possible to expedite the development of targeted antiviral treatments. This strategy could significantly influence the global response to viral epidemics and pandemics, including the current COVID-19 crisis.

References

Andersen PI, Ianevski A, Lysvand H, Vitkauskiene A, Oksenych V, Bjøras M, Telling K, Lutsar I, Dampis U, Irie Y, Tenson T, Kantele A, Kainov DE, Discovery and development of safe-in-man broad-spectrum antiviral agents, International Journal of Infectious Diseases (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.018
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/nuos-edm022620.php
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