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Conducted by American researchers, a scientific study shows that an experimental drug has blocked the replication of the Covid-19 virus in human cells and in mice. Clinical trials have not yet been carried out.
Two teams of researchers from the faculties of medicine of the University of Maryland and Pennsylvania in the United States published their work in the journal Nature, on February 7th. They explain that they have discovered a powerful combination of antivirals to fight against Sars-Cov-2.
Blocking the Covid-19 virus in cells
Scientists have combined a new molecule, called brequinar, with one of two drugs already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (the FDA, the equivalent of our National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products ANSM, in France) for emergency use, remdesivir or molnupiravir. Result: the growth of the Sars-Cov-2 virus was inhibited in human and murine lung cells.
A more powerful combination
Their results suggest that the drugs are more potent when used together, rather than individually. “We demonstrated that brequinar and molnupiravir work better together than either drug alone in our mouse model of COVID-19.”, said the study’s co-principal investigator, Professor Matthew Frieman, associate professor of microbiology and immunology. “As the virus continues to spread and mutate, we want drugs that are accessible, easy to administer, and effective against current and future variants.”.
Still remains the stage of clinical trials
Scientists are desperate to develop drug therapies capable of treating Covid-19, due to the risk of new variants appearing that would escape vaccination. “Although not yet tested in clinical trials, the treatment combinations identified in their study have the potential to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths.“explains Professor Sara Cherry, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study.
Additionally, the research team found that paxlovid – another recently approved antiviral pill – could be combined with remdesivir or molnupiravir for effect”additive“against the virus.
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Decrease the resistance of the virus to drugs
“Identifying combinations of antivirals is important, not only to increase the potency of drugs against the coronavirus, but combining these drugs also reduces the risk of resistance“, said Dr. Cherry.
Scientists are now testing the drugs against Omicron and will continue their work, with the aim of getting to market as quickly as possible.