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During the COVID-19 epidemic, many pharmaceutical companies are examining their existing formulations from a new perspective for reuse as antiviral drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In parallel, intensive research and development activities are underway to identify new anti-COVID-19 therapies.
German biotechnology company Ursapharm Arzneimittel GmbH and Austrian biotechnology company Cebina GmbH are investigating azelastine hydrochloride, known as an antihistamine, as a potential therapeutic agent in the fight against COVID-19, with the help of staff from PTE SzKK.
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of azelastine hydrochloride in patients. Incidentally, azelastine has been used successfully for years in anti-allergy therapy, and Portfolio has also reported the potential efficacy of the nasal spray medication available in pharmacies.
Professor Robert Konrat, a researcher at the University of Vienna, studied the possible antiviral effects of known drugs using a new software method that he developed. On the basis of this research, the staff of Cebina GmbH selected a number of already known drugs for testing. The laboratory tests were conducted at the National Virology Laboratory led by Professor Ferenc Jakab. Due to the strong antiviral effect of azelastine hydrochloride, it may be a potential drug against SARS-CoV-2, which was also detected in a human nasal tissue model by Pécs researchers, they reported.
This week a clinical trial was launched in Germany to verify that azelastine-containing nasal spray can suppress viral adhesion and multiplication in the nasal mucosa in the early stages of infection, thus preventing the development of COVID-19 disease or influencing positively on course and gravity. of the illness.
Parallel to the clinical trials abroad, the Pécs virologists, pharmacologists and Cebina also began planning the Hungarian clinical trials. Researchers in Austria, Hungary and Germany believe that if the upcoming clinical trials are positive, it could be a breakthrough in controlling the spread of viruses and slowing the current epidemic.
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