Corona current
New flu drug: the breakthrough in the fight against corona?
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A newly developed flu drug seems to be able to inhibit the transmission of coronaviruses. Researchers speak of a "breakthrough".
They originally wanted to develop a new drug against the group – but the scientist Richard Plemper and his colleagues from Georgia State University changed their plan at short notice due to the corona pandemic. With success: According to an initial study, the new drug they have developed, called "Molnupiravir", appears to be able to curb the spread of the coronaviruses. The corresponding study was published in the specialist magazine Nature Microbiology.
Study with ferrets
The researchers simulated the spread of the coronavirus between people using ferrets. According to the scientists, the spread of the virus among animals is similar to that of young adults. Dr. Robert Cox, who is also part of the team, said: "We believe that ferrets are a relevant transmission model because they easily spread SARS-CoV-2, but usually do not develop a serious disease."
For the study, some infected ferrets received the newly developed active ingredient and were then locked in a cage with non-infected animals. The result: Not a single healthy ferret became infected with SARS-COV-2. In contrast, in a placebo group used for comparison, all healthy animals contracted the disease. The researchers concluded that taking “molnupiravir” could completely block the coronavirus transmission ability within 24 hours. This means that the active ingredient is the first "orally available drug that quickly blocks the transmission of SARS-COV-2," said Plember.
Can the pandemic be contained soon?
In its report on the study, the university therefore speaks of a "breakthrough". The new active ingredient is a "strong candidate" to contain the virus and has the chance to "change the game." Overall, according to the study, three main advantages are ascribed to the drug:
- The progression of a serious course of the disease could be inhibited.
- The chains of infection could be more easily broken in the event of local outbreaks.
- The infection phases and the quarantine time could be shortened.
If the drug actually works as well in humans as it does in ferrets, Affected patients could no longer be contagious within 24 to 48 hours. However, no data are yet available on possible side effects of the agent. There is also no specific information about the duration of action and the length of treatment. Some critics also claim that the drug could change the genetic makeup – the research team rejects this criticism.
Clinical study already in progress
In order to clarify the open questions, the pharmaceutical company Merck is already carrying out a clinical study with around 1,100 subjects who are supposed to test the drug. The results are expected to be available next year. If these are positive, “Molnupiravir” could be an effective means of reducing the still high number of infections more quickly.