Simeprevir, a drug used against the hepatitis C virus, can significantly suppress the replication of the new coronavirus2, an international study led by researchers in Hong Kong revealed, according to a statement issued Monday by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
Since the beginning of 2020, researchers at CUHK and the University of Hong Kong have worked with more than 30 scientists from local laboratories and other countries to search for an effective drug substance to treat COVID-19.
–
Using a combination of techniques from biochemistry, cell biology and computational chemistry, the team found that Simeprevir can simultaneously attack two important viral proteins that play a key role in viral replication.
Simeprevir is currently the only antiviral drug that can attack more than one SARS-CoV-2 virus protein, Xinhua notes.
Billy Wai Lung Ng, a professor at CUHK School of Medicine, said that Simeprevir is an antiviral agent used to treat hepatitis C by inhibiting viral protease activity so as to suppress viral replication.
Michael Chi Wai Chan, an associate professor in the School of Public Health at HKU School of Medicine, said the team evaluated the antiviral effect of Simeprevir with Remdesivir. The results showed that with 3.3 ľM Remdesivir and Simeprevir, the antiviral effect was increased more than 100-fold compared to Remdesivir alone.
David Shu Cheong Hui, a pulmonology expert at CUHK, said recent studies have suggested that existing vaccines and drugs may not be able to effectively fight emerging virus mutations.
“In addition, recurrent coronavirus outbreaks over the past two decades suggest that the virus may become a persistent health problem that threatens global health. Therefore, it is essential to expand our therapeutic offer in preparation for the future coronavirus pandemic, “said Hui.
The results of the study were published in the international journal ACS Central Science.
Source: stiripesurse.ro
/data/photo/2021/05/13/609d23cfe10a8.jpg "Official, UEFA Slide Champions League Final Venue Page all")
