A new study has found a promising interaction between Edecrin (ethacrynic acid) and coronavirus’ main protease.
The study, published in the journal Viruses, identified that Edecrin, a loop diuretic, is an efficient inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID infection.
Ethacrynic acid, also called, etacrynic acid, is a water pill that is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and edema caused by congestive heart failure (CHF), liver failure, and kidney disease.
The study findings suggested that ethacrynic acid works in the kidneys to increase the amount of urine and helps the body to get rid of extra water, so it can be repurposed to treat COVID.
Researchers of the study conducted “silico analysis, molecular docking experiments, and activity assays to identify potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2.”
The researchers also conducted a series of in vitro experiments to understand the effects of certain inhibitors, such as ciclesonide, delafloxacin, dutasteride, netupitant, tadalafil, and saquinavir, on the virus’ main protease.
The team found that these inhibitors did not have significant inhibitory activity against the coronavirus’s main protease. However, their analysis found a favorable interaction between Edecrin and the main protease of the virus.
The researchers noted that Edecrin inhibits the main protease at a very low concentration, making it the most potent protease inhibitor than other inhibitors. However, they warned that ethacrynic acid is one of the strong diuretics, and excessive use of the drug could impair the electrolyte balance in the body.
