Scientists at Kansas State University (USA) have successfully tested a therapeutic agent against coronavirus.
This was reported on the website of the scientific publication Science Daily.
It has been found that protease 3C, also known as 3CLpro, is a key enzyme in the development of SARS-CoV-2.
The researchers used the protease inhibitors found in laboratory mice infected with the MERS coronavirus. As a result, the therapeutic agent aimed at the weakest point of the infectious disease stopped the spread of the virus.
According to scientists, the drugs prevent the spread of not only MERS, but also the widespread MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses in humans. The drugs described in the experiment were patented and licensed by Cocrystal Pharma. Experts say the effects of the drugs on humans need to be tested.
In July, American scientists discovered several drugs that could be used against SARS-CoV-2, which were able to suppress the replication of the coronavirus in human cells. In particular, the hepatitis C boepsrevir and GC-376 antiviral drugs have been shown to be effective against viral protease Mpro, which is key in coronavirus replication.