[ad_1]
The study that led to the discovery, published in the scientific journal Virus, shows that tapsigargin is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral and is considered “highly effective” against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes covid-19 disease, but also against the common influenza virus, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the influenza A virus.
The researchers argue that the finding could have huge implications for how future epidemics and pandemics will be handled, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since acute respiratory infections caused by different viruses are clinically indistinguishable in presentation, a broad spectrum of efficacy (of drugs), which can target different types of viruses at the same time, can significantly improve clinical management,” they say. researchers. in a statement from the University of Nottingham, stressing that such an antiviral may be available for community use in order to control an active infection and its spread.
The research project was led by Kin-Chow Chang, who counted with other specialists from the University of Nottingham (Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Sciences, Biosciences, Pharmacy, Medicine and Chemistry), and with the collaboration of experts from the Plant Health Agency and Animal (APHA) of the United Kingdom, the Agricultural University of China and the British Institute Pirbright, specializing in virology.
The multidisciplinary team of scientists discovered that the antiviral derived from a toxic plant, ‘Thapsia garganica’ (common in vegetated areas in the interior of central and southern Portugal), triggers a broad-spectrum innate antiviral immune response focused on the Guest. The compound has been shown to be effective against three main types of respiratory viruses in humans, including the new coronavirus.
According to the statement from the University of Nottingham, experiments carried out in cells and animals show that tapsigargin is a promising antiviral, being effective against infection when used before or during an active infection.
It can also prevent the virus from reproducing copies of itself in cells for at least 48 hours after a single 30-minute exposure.
As the substance is stable in acidic pH, like that found in the stomach, it can be taken orally, avoiding injections or hospitalization.
Another characteristic described by the authors is that tapsigargin is not sensitive to virus resistance, being “at least hundreds of times more effective than current antiviral options.”
It was also concluded that it is as effective in blocking a combined infection of coronavirus and influenza A virus as it is of a single virus infection, and that it is “safe” as an antiviral, and the researchers stressed that a derivative of tapsigargin It has already been tested in treatments for prostate cancer.
“Although we are still in the early stages of research on this antiviral and its action on viruses like the one that causes covid-19, these findings are extremely significant,” said Kin-Chow Chang.
The academic added that “the current pandemic highlights the need for effective antivirals to treat active infections, as well as vaccines to prevent infection”, highlighting that “future pandemics will probably be of animal origin.”
“A new generation of antivirals, such as tapsigargin, could play a key role in the control and treatment of major viral infections in humans and animals,” said Kin-Chow Chang.
Influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and RSV are global pathogens for humans and animals, and scientists consider tapsigargin to be a leading compound in the development of a new generation of potent host-focused antivirals ( as opposed to conventional antivirals). drugs that directly target viruses), and can even be taken in a holistic “one health” approach to control viruses in humans and animals.
“While more evidence is clearly needed, the current findings clearly indicate that tapsigargin and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments against covid-19 and the common flu virus, and have the potential to defend us against an impending pandemic.” , he concluded. Professor Chang.
