Found new drugs against coronavirus

Scientists at the University of South Florida and colleagues from the University of Arizona found several potential drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Identified compounds are able to suppress the replication of coronavirus in human cells. This was reported in an article published in the journal Cell Research.

The researchers found that boceprevir approved by FDA and used against hepatitis C, and antiviral medication GC-376, focused on the viral protease Mpro, which plays a key role in the replication of the virus and infection of new cells. Experts have long considered Mpro as a target for drugs directed against genetically similar to SARS-CoV-2 viruses that cause SARS and MERS. GC-376 is a potential drug for the treatment of cats infected with the deadly coronavirus that causes infectious peritonitis.

There is one more candidate drugs against coronaviruses are calpain inhibitors II and XII, which also possess anticancer activity, help against neurodegenerative diseases and possess antiviral activity.