Scientists have identified a post-infection treatment for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and successfully demonstrated its efficacy in stopping viral reproduction in mice. "After Covid-19 emerged, many research groups reported that this inhibitor is also effective against the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, and many are currently pursuing the development of protease inhibitors as a treatment," Kim added. Treatment with a deuterated variant starting at 24 hours post-infection resulted in significantly increased survival of mice compared to untreated mice. "Treating SARS-CoV-2-infected mice with deuterated GC376 significantly improved survival, viral replication in lungs and weight losses, which shows the efficacy of the antiviral compound," said Kyeong-Ok Chang, professor at Kansas State University. "The results suggest deuterated GC376 has a potential for further development, and this deuteration method can be utilised to other antiviral compounds to generate potent inhibitors," Chang added.

Source: Hindustan Times July 05, 2021 07:30 UTC