Technology ID
TAB-4958
FDA-Approved Drugs Show Antiviral Activity Against MERS-CoV
E-Numbers
E-153-2015-0
Lead Inventor
Frieman, Matthew
Lead IC
NIAID
Co-Inventors
Jahrling, Peter
Hensley, Lisa
ICs
NIAID
Applications
Vaccines
Therapeutics
Therapeutic Areas
Respiratory
Infectious Disease
Development Stages
Discovery
Research Products
Computational models/software
This technology involves the screening of a library of 290 FDA-approved or clinically advanced compounds for their antiviral activity against Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The screening identified 27 compounds with dual antiviral activity against both viruses, belonging to thirteen different classes of pharmaceuticals, including inhibitors of estrogen receptors used for cancer treatment and inhibitors of dopamine receptors used as antipsychotics. This discovery holds promise for repurposing existing FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of MERS-CoV, potentially providing a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to developing new drugs.
Commercial Applications
The discovery of 27 FDA-approved compounds with antiviral activity against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV has wide-ranging potential applications in the field of infectious disease management. These compounds could be further evaluated for their efficacy in treating MERS-CoV infections, offering a much-needed therapeutic option for a disease with currently no approved treatments. Additionally, the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of these compounds suggests potential utility in combating other coronaviruses, including those that may emerge in the future. The repurposing of existing drugs also opens up possibilities for rapid deployment in outbreak situations, helping to mitigate the impact of novel viral threats on public health.
Competitive Advantages
This discovery offers several competitive advantages over existing approaches to treating Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Firstly, repurposing FDA-approved drugs reduces the time and cost associated with traditional drug development processes, enabling a quicker response to emerging viral threats. Secondly, the identification of compounds with dual antiviral activity against both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV underscores the potential broad-spectrum effectiveness of these drugs, which could be crucial in managing future coronavirus outbreaks. Additionally, the use of existing drugs with established safety profiles may expedite regulatory approval and facilitate rapid deployment in clinical settings.
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