Scientists from the University of Nottingham have uncovered a novel antiviral property of a drug, called thapsigargin, which could be effective against COVID-19, and other future epidemics/pandemics.
Publishing their findings in the journal Viruses, the researchers showed that thapsigargin is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral that is highly effective against the COVID-19 virus, aka SARS-CoV-2.
Acute respiratory viral infections that are caused by different viruses are indistinguishable on clinical presentation so an effective broad-spectrum drug that can target different types of viruses at the same time could help treat the condition.
A broad-spectrum antiviral could be made available for people to control active infection and its spread.
Thapsigargin, a plant-derived antiviral, when given in small doses, triggers a highly effective broad-spectrum antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respiratory viruses—including COVID-19, according to Medical Xpress.
Based on animal studies, the drug has been found effective against viral infection, preventing a virus from proliferating in cells for at least 48 hours. In addition, the drug has been found at least several hundred-fold more effective than current antiviral drugs.
Lead author of the study Prof. Kin-Chow Chang said, “Whilst we are still at the early stages of research into this antiviral and its impact on how viruses such as COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are hugely significant.”
“The current pandemic highlights the need for effective antivirals to treat active infections, as well as vaccines, to prevent the infection,” he added.
Prof. Chang explained, “Given that future pandemics are likely to be of animal origin, where animal to human (zoonotic) and reverse zoonotic (human to animal) spread take place, a new generation of antivirals, such as thapsigargin, could play a key role in the control and treatment of important viral infections in both humans and animals.”
Influenza virus, COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus are global pathogens of humans and animals. And drugs, like thapsigargin, represent lead compounds in the development of a new generation of potent antivirals that could control viruses that affect humans as well as animals.
Prof. Chang said, “Although more testing is clearly needed, current findings strongly indicate that thapsigargin and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments against COVID-19 and influenza virus, and have the potential to defend us against the next Disease X pandemic.” The article was originally published Tuesday on Medical Xpress.
