This drug can potentially combat Covid-19, respiratory viruses and influenza
A holistic approach is needed to fight human and animal viruses
Scientists from the University of Nottingham have discovered antiviral properties in an existing drug that could help with future epidemics or pandemics like Covid-19.
A study published in
Viruses shows that thapsigargin, an inhibitor of a certain class of enzymes, is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral, which also appears to be highly effective against Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the influenza A virus.
Showing promise
The researchers took into account the clinical differences between viruses that cause acute respiratory virus infections – and established the need for a comprehensive drug that can target different virus types at the same time, thereby significantly improving clinical management.
Plant-based antiviral said to be ‘highly effective’ against Covid-19 – dpa international
DUBLIN The little-known drug thapsigargin has proven “highly effective” against Covid-19, according to a University of Nottingham research team, which said the findings are “hugely significant.”
The research, published on Wednesday in the journal
Viruses, found that the plant-derived antiviral “triggers a highly effective broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respiratory viruses,” including the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
Though “more testing is clearly needed,” according to research team leader Professor Kin-Chow Chang, “current findings strongly indicate that thapsigargin and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments against Covid-19 and influenza virus.”
Antiviral drug thapsigargin effective against Covid, suggests study
February 04, 2021
Researchers believe it will help mitigate future outbreaks
Researchers, including those from the University of Nottingham in the UK, have found an antiviral drug that is highly effective against the novel coronavirus.
The researchers of the study believe that the administration of the drug thapsigargin will help in mitigating future outbreaks.
They stated in their study that the plant-derived antiviral, in small doses, stimulates a highly effective host-centred antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respiratory viruses. This includes Covid-19.
According to the study, an antiviral of this type could potentially be made available for community use to control active infection and its spread.
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A plant-derived antiviral medication may be highly effective in treating the coronavirus and could also help fight future pandemics, according to new research in the UK.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that the broad spectrum antiviral thapsigargin is not only very effective against COVID-19, but also against a common cold coronavirus called respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A, Eurekalert.org reported. Whilst we are still at the early stages of research into this antiviral and its impact on how viruses such as COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are hugely significant, said Professor Kin-Chow Chang, who led the study along with colleagues at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, China Agricultural University and the Pirbright Institute. The current pandemic highlights the need for effec