Scientists have identified six potential drugs for Covid-19 candidates from more than 10,000 compounds. The research, published in the journal Nature, tested the efficacy of approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials and other compounds.
“Currently there are no targeted therapeutics or effective treatment options for COVID-19,” said Professor Luke Guddat from the University of Queensland in Australia.
“In order to rapidly discover lead compounds for clinical use, we initiated a programme of high-throughput drug screening, both in laboratories and also using the latest computer software to predict how different drugs bind to the virus,” Guddat added while talking on Six Potential Drugs For Covid-19
The project targeted the main COVID-19 virus enzyme, known as the main protease or Mpro, which plays a pivotal role in mediating viral replication, the researchers said. This makes it an attractive drug target for this virus, and as people don’t naturally have this enzyme, compounds that target it are likely to have low toxicity, they said.
“We add the drugs directly to the enzyme or to cell cultures growing the virus and assess how much of each compound is required to stop the enzyme from working or to kill the virus. If the amount is small, then we have a promising compound for further studies,” said Guddat.
After assaying thousands of drugs, researchers found of the six that appear to be effective in inhibiting the enzyme, one is of particular interest.
(www.newsnow.co.uk)
BREAKING: Fire Guts Popular Kantin-Kwari Textile Market In Kano [PHOTO]---A fire outbreak on Saturday night…
Victor Osimhen has been ruled Out of Super Eagles Vs Libya squad As Eguavoen Announces…
Tragic Loss As Nollywood Actor, Saheed Balogun Loses Daughter, Zeenat---Popular Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, is…
BREAKING: Governor Fubara Regains Control As APP Wins 22 Chairmanship Seats In Rivers State LG…
Arsenal Vs Southampton Live Stream Match has emerged. The Genius Media Nigeria reports that Arsenal…
BREAKING: Heavy Gunfire At Nyesom Wike’s Ward As Rivers State Local Government Election Turns Violent---The…