An experimental antiviral drug can significantly decrease levels of the virus causing COVID-19 and the damage it causes in the lungs, according to new research.
Scientists from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Plymouth found that MK-4482 – initially developed to treat influenza – was effective when provided up to 12 hours before or 12 hours after infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Writing in Nature Communications, the researchers say it suggests treatment with MK-4482 could potentially mitigate high-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and might be used to treat established SARS-CoV-2 infection alone or in combination with other agents.
The drug is currently undergoing human clinical trials, but researchers say its ability to be provided orally could offer a significant advance on existing antivirals being used to treat COVID-19.
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Nature Communications. Research Paper:
Covid 19 Spring Booster (4th jab)
COVID - an unusual route for infection
Covid supplementary treatment: Citirizine
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