A plant-derived antiviral drug can be “highly effective” in treating coronavirus, and can also help fight future pandemics, according to new research in the UK.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that broad-spectrum antiviral thapsigargine is not only very effective against COVID-19, but also against a common cold coronavirus called respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A, according to Eurekalert.org.
“While we are still in the early stages of researching this antiviral and its impact on how viruses like COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are hugely significant,” said Professor Kin-Chow Chang, who he led the study together with colleagues at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, China Agricultural University and the Pirbright Institute.
“The current pandemic highlights the need for effective antivirals to treat active infections, as well as vaccines, to prevent infection,” he said.
Since future pandemics are likely to be of animal origin, where animal-to-human and reverse zoonotic (human-to-animal) spreads occur, a new generation of antivirals, such as thapsigargine, could play a role. key in the control and treatment of major viral infections in both humans and animals, “Chang added.
The scientists found that the antiviral, in small doses, triggers a “highly effective” immune response against the three major types of human respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
According to the study, thapsigargine, which has been tested in prostate cancer, is effective against viral infection when used before or during active infection.
According to the study, it is able to prevent a virus from making copies of itself in cells for at least 48 hours after a single 30-minute exposure.
“While it is clear that more evidence is needed, current findings strongly indicate that thapsigargine and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and the flu virus and have the potential to defend us against the next. pandemic of disease X, ”Chang said.