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A plant-derived antiviral drug may be “very effective” in treating coronavirus – and could also help fight future pandemics, new research in the UK shows.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that the broad-spectrum antiviral thapsigargin is not only highly effective against COVID-19, but also against a common cold coronavirus called respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A, Eurekalert.org reported.
“While we are still in the early stages of research into this antiviral and its impact on how viruses such as COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are extremely important,” said Professor Kin-Chow Chang, who led the study 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 zoonotic (human-to-animal) spread takes place, a new generation of antivirals, like thapsigargin, could play a role. key role in the control and treatment of important viral infections in humans and animals, ”Chang added.
Scientists have found that the antiviral, in small doses, triggers a “very effective” immune response against the three main types of human respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
Thapsigargin, 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 new copies of itself in cells for at least 48 hours after a single 30-minute exposure, according to the study.
“Although more testing is clearly needed, the current results strongly indicate that thapsigargin and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments against COVID-19 and the influenza virus, and have the potential to defend us against the next pandemic of disease X, ”Chang said.
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