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Ma Y, Tao Y, Qu H, Wang C, Yan F, Gao X, Zhang M. Exploration of plant-derived natural polyphenols toward COVID-19 main protease inhibitors: DFT, molecular docking approach, and molecular dynamics simulations. RSC Adv 2022; 12:5357-5368. [PMID: 35425531 PMCID: PMC8981245 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07364h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent outbreaks of coronavirus have brought serious challenges to public health around the world, and it is essential to find effective treatments. In this study, the 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has been considered as an important drug target because of its role in viral replication. We initially optimized 251 compounds at the PM7 level of theory for docking with 3CLpro, and then we selected the top 12 compounds for further optimization with the B3LYP-D3/6-311G** method and obtained the top four compounds by further molecular docking. Quantum chemistry calculations were performed to predict molecular properties, such as the electrostatic potential and some CDFT descriptors. We also performed molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations to determine the relative stability of the selected four potential compounds. We have identified key residues controlling the 3CLpro/ligand binding from per-residue based decomposition of the binding free energy. Convincingly, the comprehensive results support the conclusion that the compounds have the potential to become a candidate for anti-coronavirus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University 22 Qixiangtai Road Tianjin 300070 China
| | - Yulian Tao
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University 22 Qixiangtai Road Tianjin 300070 China
| | - Hanyang Qu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University 22 Qixiangtai Road Tianjin 300070 China
| | - Cuihong Wang
- School of Science, Tianjin Chengjian University 26 Jinjing Road Tianjin 300384 China
| | - Fei Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University 22 Qixiangtai Road Tianjin 300070 China
| | - Xiujun Gao
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University 22 Qixiangtai Road Tianjin 300070 China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University 22 Qixiangtai Road Tianjin 300070 China
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Jayk Bernal A, Gomes da Silva MM, Musungaie DB, Kovalchuk E, Gonzalez A, Delos Reyes V, Martín-Quirós A, Caraco Y, Williams-Diaz A, Brown ML, Du J, Pedley A, Assaid C, Strizki J, Grobler JA, Shamsuddin HH, Tipping R, Wan H, Paschke A, Butterton JR, Johnson MG, De Anda C. Molnupiravir for Oral Treatment of Covid-19 in Nonhospitalized Patients. N Engl J Med 2022; 386:509-520. [PMID: 34914868 PMCID: PMC8693688 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2116044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1115] [Impact Index Per Article: 557.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New treatments are needed to reduce the risk of progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Molnupiravir is an oral, small-molecule antiviral prodrug that is active against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS We conducted a phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with molnupiravir started within 5 days after the onset of signs or symptoms in nonhospitalized, unvaccinated adults with mild-to-moderate, laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 and at least one risk factor for severe Covid-19 illness. Participants in the trial were randomly assigned to receive 800 mg of molnupiravir or placebo twice daily for 5 days. The primary efficacy end point was the incidence hospitalization or death at day 29; the incidence of adverse events was the primary safety end point. A planned interim analysis was performed when 50% of 1550 participants (target enrollment) had been followed through day 29. RESULTS A total of 1433 participants underwent randomization; 716 were assigned to receive molnupiravir and 717 to receive placebo. With the exception of an imbalance in sex, baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. The superiority of molnupiravir was demonstrated at the interim analysis; the risk of hospitalization for any cause or death through day 29 was lower with molnupiravir (28 of 385 participants [7.3%]) than with placebo (53 of 377 [14.1%]) (difference, -6.8 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -11.3 to -2.4; P = 0.001). In the analysis of all participants who had undergone randomization, the percentage of participants who were hospitalized or died through day 29 was lower in the molnupiravir group than in the placebo group (6.8% [48 of 709] vs. 9.7% [68 of 699]; difference, -3.0 percentage points; 95% CI, -5.9 to -0.1). Results of subgroup analyses were largely consistent with these overall results; in some subgroups, such as patients with evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, those with low baseline viral load, and those with diabetes, the point estimate for the difference favored placebo. One death was reported in the molnupiravir group and 9 were reported in the placebo group through day 29. Adverse events were reported in 216 of 710 participants (30.4%) in the molnupiravir group and 231 of 701 (33.0%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Early treatment with molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death in at-risk, unvaccinated adults with Covid-19. (Funded by Merck Sharp and Dohme; MOVe-OUT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04575597.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Jayk Bernal
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Monica M Gomes da Silva
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Dany B Musungaie
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Evgeniy Kovalchuk
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Antonio Gonzalez
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Virginia Delos Reyes
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Alejandro Martín-Quirós
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Yoseph Caraco
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Angela Williams-Diaz
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Michelle L Brown
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Jiejun Du
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Alison Pedley
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Christopher Assaid
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Julie Strizki
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Jay A Grobler
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Hala H Shamsuddin
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Robert Tipping
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Hong Wan
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Amanda Paschke
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Joan R Butterton
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Matthew G Johnson
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
| | - Carisa De Anda
- From IMAT Oncomédica, Monteria, Colombia (A.J.B.); the Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil (M.M.G.S.); Jongaie Research, Pretoria, South Africa (D.B.M.); Medical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia (E.K.); Advanced Research for Health Improvement, Immokalee, FL (A.G.); Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines (V.D.R.); Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid (A.M.-Q.); Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem (Y.C.); and Merck, Kenilworth, NJ (A.W.-D., M.L.B., J.D., A. Pedley, C.A., J.S., J.A.G., H.H.S., R.T., H.W., A. Paschke, J.R.B., M.G.J., C.D.A.)
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Hu T, Xie Y, Zhu F, Gong X, Liu Y, Xue H, Aisa HA, Shen J. “One-Pot” Synthesis of Molnupiravir from Cytidine. Org Process Res Dev 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Hu
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yuanchao Xie
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Fuqiang Zhu
- Topharman Shanghai Co., Ltd., No. 388 Jialilue Road, Zhangjiang Hitech Park, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xudong Gong
- Topharman Shanghai Co., Ltd., No. 388 Jialilue Road, Zhangjiang Hitech Park, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yin Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Xue
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Haji A. Aisa
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jingshan Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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354
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Detailed Analyses of Molecular Interactions between Favipiravir and RNA Viruses In Silico. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020338. [PMID: 35215932 PMCID: PMC8879546 DOI: 10.3390/v14020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There are currently no antiviral agents for human metapneumovirus (HMPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), mumps virus (MuV), or measles virus (MeV). Favipiravir has been developed as an anti-influenza agent, and this agent may be effective against these viruses in vitro. However, the molecular mechanisms through which the agent affects virus replication remain to be fully elucidated. Thus, to clarify the detailed molecular interactions between favipiravir and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of HMPV, RSV, MuV, MeV, and influenza virus, we performed in silico studies using authentic bioinformatics technologies. As a result, we found that the active form of favipiravir (favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5′-triphosphate [F-RTP]) can bind to the RdRp active sites of HMPV, RSV, MuV, and MeV. The aspartic acid residue of RdRp active sites was involved in the interaction. Moreover, F-RTP was incorporated into the growing viral RNA chain in the presence of nucleotide triphosphate and magnesium ions. The results suggested that favipiravir shows two distinct mechanisms in various viruses: RdRp active site inhibition and/or genome replication inhibition.
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355
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Celik I, Tallei TE. A computational comparative analysis of the binding mechanism of molnupiravir's active metabolite to RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of wild-type and Delta subvariant AY.4 of SARS-CoV-2. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:807-818. [PMID: 35132671 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The antiviral drug molnupiravir targets the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) enzyme. Early treatment with molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death in at-risk, unvaccinated adults with COVID-19, according to phase 3 clinical trials. Many mutations have occurred within this virus as a result of its widespread distribution. The current study sought to determine whether mutations in the RdRP of Delta subvariant AY.4 (D-AY.4 RdRP) influence the interaction of the enzyme with molnupiravir triphosphate (MTP), the active metabolite of molnupiravir. The interactions between the wild-type (WT) RdRP and D-AY.4 RdRP with MTP were evaluated based on molecular docking and dynamic simulation (MD) studies. The results show that the MTP interaction is stronger and more stable with D-AY.4 RdRP than with WT RdRP. This study provides insight into the potential significance of administering MTP to patients infected with D-AY.4 RdRP, which may have a more favorable chance of alleviating the illness. According to the findings of this study, MTP has a high likelihood of becoming widely used as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent. The fact that MTP is not only cytotoxic but also mutagenic to mammalian cells, as well as the possibility that it may cause DNA damage in the host, have all been raised as potential concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Celik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Trina E Tallei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
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356
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Basu D, Chavda VP, Mehta AA. Therapeutics for COVID-19 and post COVID-19 complications: An update. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100086. [PMID: 35136858 PMCID: PMC8813675 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its inception in late December 2020 in China, novel coronavirus has affected the global socio-economic aspect. Currently, the world is seeking safe and effective treatment measures against COVID-19 to eradicate it. Many established drug molecules are tested against SARS-CoV-2 as a part of drug repurposing where some are proved effective for symptomatic relief while some are ineffective. Drug repurposing is a practical strategy for rapidly developing antiviral agents. Many drugs are presently being repurposed utilizing basic understanding of disease pathogenesis and drug pharmacodynamics, as well as computational methods. In the present situation, drug repurposing could be viewed as a new treatment option for COVID-19. Several new drug molecules and biologics are engineered against SARS-CoV-2 and are under different stages of clinical development. A few biologics drug products are approved by USFDA for emergency use in the covid management. Due to continuous mutation, many of the approved vaccines are not much efficacious to render the individual immune against opportunistic infection of SARS-CoV-2 mutants. Hence, there is a strong need for the cogent therapeutic agent for covid management. In this review, a consolidated summary of the therapeutic developments against SARS-CoV-2 are depicted along with an overview of effective management of post COVID-19 complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debdoot Basu
- Department of Pharmacology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Vivek P Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Anita A Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
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357
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Nucleosides and emerging viruses: a new story. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1945-1953. [PMID: 35189369 PMCID: PMC8856764 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
With several US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and high barriers to resistance, nucleoside and nucleotide analogs remain the cornerstone of antiviral therapies for not only herpesviruses, but also HIV and hepatitis viruses (B and C); however, with the exception of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), for which vaccines have been developed at unprecedented speed, there are no vaccines or small antivirals yet available for (re)emerging viruses, which are primarily RNA viruses. Thus, herein, we present an overview of ribonucleoside analogs recently developed and acting as inhibitors of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). They are new lead structures that will be exploited for the discovery of new antiviral nucleosides.
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358
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Shumaker AH, Bhimraj A. PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022; 36:349-364. [PMID: 35636904 PMCID: PMC8828431 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hirsch Shumaker
- Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Infectious Disease, Department of Pharmacy, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, 10701 East Boulevard, Pharmacy 119 (W), Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Senior Clinical Instructor, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-7341.
| | - Adarsh Bhimraj
- Section Head Neurologic Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue/g21, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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359
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Computational Analysis of Molnupiravir. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031508. [PMID: 35163429 PMCID: PMC8835990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we report in-depth computational studies of three plausible tautomeric forms, generated through the migration of two acidic protons of the N4-hydroxylcytosine fragment, of molnupiravir, which is emerging as an efficient drug to treat COVID-19. The DFT calculations were performed to verify the structure of these tautomers, as well as their electronic and optical properties. Molecular docking was applied to examine the influence of the structures of the keto-oxime, keto-hydroxylamine and hydroxyl-oxime tautomers on a series of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins. These tautomers exhibited the best affinity behavior (−9.90, −7.90, and −9.30 kcal/mol, respectively) towards RdRp-RTR and Nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3_range 207–379-MES).
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360
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Elements and COVID-19: A Comprehensive Overview of Studies on Their Blood/Urinary Levels and Supplementation with an Update on Clinical Trials. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020215. [PMID: 35205082 PMCID: PMC8869171 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spreading mainly through person-to-person contact. It has caused millions of deaths around the world and lasting health problems in individuals who have survived the disease. This review concisely summarizes certain issues related to COVID-19 with a focus on elements and gives an update on clinical trials where some minerals will be tested/have been tested alone or in combination with drugs, vitamins, or plant extracts/herbal formulations in COVID-19 patients and in those at higher COVID-19 risk. Abstract The current report provides a brief overview of the clinical features, hematological/biochemical abnormalities, biomarkers, and AI-related strategies in COVID-19; presents in a nutshell the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options; and concisely summarizes the most important aspects related to sociodemographic and behavioral factors as well as comorbidities having an impact on this disease. It also gives a brief outline of the effect of selected elements on immune response and collects data on the levels of micro-/macro-elements and toxic metals in the blood/urine of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and on supplementation with minerals in COVID-19 subjects. Moreover, this review provides an overview of clinical trials based on the use of minerals alone or in combination with other agents that can provide effective responses toward SARS-CoV-2 infection. The knowledge compiled in this report lays the groundwork for new therapeutic treatments and further research on biomarkers that should be as informative as possible about the patient’s condition and can provide more reliable information on COVID-19 course and prognosis. The collected results point to the need for clarification of the importance of mineral supplementation in COVID-19 and the relationships of the levels of some minerals with clinical improvement.
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361
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Yan W, Zheng Y, Zeng X, He B, Cheng W. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2: open the door for novel therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:26. [PMID: 35087058 PMCID: PMC8793099 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic disease COVID-19, which is so far without efficacious treatment. The discovery of therapy reagents for treating COVID-19 are urgently needed, and the structures of the potential drug-target proteins in the viral life cycle are particularly important. SARS-CoV-2, a member of the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily containing the largest RNA genome, encodes 29 proteins including nonstructural, structural and accessory proteins which are involved in viral adsorption, entry and uncoating, nucleic acid replication and transcription, assembly and release, etc. These proteins individually act as a partner of the replication machinery or involved in forming the complexes with host cellular factors to participate in the essential physiological activities. This review summarizes the representative structures and typically potential therapy agents that target SARS-CoV-2 or some critical proteins for viral pathogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying viral infection, prevention of infection, and treatment. Indeed, these studies open the door for COVID therapies, leading to ways to prevent and treat COVID-19, especially, treatment of the disease caused by the viral variants are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhu Yan
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhui Zheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaotao Zeng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
- The First People's Hospital of Longquanyi District Chengdu, 610100, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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362
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Fedeles BI, Li D, Singh V. Structural Insights Into Tautomeric Dynamics in Nucleic Acids and in Antiviral Nucleoside Analogs. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:823253. [PMID: 35145998 PMCID: PMC8822119 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.823253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA (2'-deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) play diverse functional roles in biology and disease. Despite being comprised primarily of only four cognate nucleobases, nucleic acids can adopt complex three-dimensional structures, and RNA in particular, can catalyze biochemical reactions to regulate a wide variety of biological processes. Such chemical versatility is due in part to the phenomenon of nucleobase tautomerism, whereby the bases can adopt multiple, yet distinct isomeric forms, known as tautomers. For nucleobases, tautomers refer to structural isomers that differ from one another by the position of protons. By altering the position of protons on nucleobases, many of which play critical roles for hydrogen bonding and base pairing interactions, tautomerism has profound effects on the biochemical processes involving nucleic acids. For example, the transient formation of minor tautomers during replication could generate spontaneous mutations. These mutations could arise from the stabilization of mismatches, in the active site of polymerases, in conformations involving minor tautomers that are indistinguishable from canonical base pairs. In this review, we discuss the evidence for tautomerism in DNA, and its consequences to the fidelity of DNA replication. Also reviewed are RNA systems, such as the riboswitches and self-cleaving ribozymes, in which tautomerism plays a functional role in ligand recognition and catalysis, respectively. We also discuss tautomeric nucleoside analogs that are efficacious as antiviral drug candidates such as molnupiravir for coronaviruses and KP1212 for HIV. The antiviral efficacy of these analogs is due, in part, to their ability to exist in multiple tautomeric forms and induce mutations in the replicating viral genomes. From a technical standpoint, minor tautomers of nucleobases are challenging to identify directly because they are rare and interconvert on a fast, millisecond to nanosecond, time scale. Nevertheless, many approaches including biochemical, structural, computational and spectroscopic methods have been developed to study tautomeric dynamics in RNA and DNA systems, and in antiviral nucleoside analogs. An overview of these methods and their applications is included here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan I. Fedeles
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Engineering and Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Vipender Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
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363
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Wu CR, Yin WC, Jiang Y, Xu HE. Structure genomics of SARS-CoV-2 and its Omicron variant: drug design templates for COVID-19. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:3021-3033. [PMID: 35058587 PMCID: PMC8771608 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00851-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has brought an unprecedented public health crisis and persistently threatens to humanity. With tireless efforts from scientists around the world, understanding of the biology of coronavirus has been greatly enhanced over the past 2 years. Structural biology has demonstrated its powerful impact on uncovering structures and functions for the vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and guided the development of drugs and vaccines against COVID-19. In this review, we summarize current progress in the structural biology of SARS-CoV-2 and discuss important biological issues that remain to be addressed. We present the examples of structure-based design of Pfizer’s novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug PF-07321332 (Paxlovid), Merck’s nucleotide inhibitor molnupiravir (Lagevrio), and VV116, an oral drug candidate for COVID-19. These examples highlight the importance of structure in drug discovery to combat COVID-19. We also discussed the recent variants of Omicron and its implication in immunity escape from existing vaccines and antibody therapies.
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364
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Fischer WA, Eron JJ, Holman W, Cohen MS, Fang L, Szewczyk LJ, Sheahan TP, Baric R, Mollan KR, Wolfe CR, Duke ER, Azizad MM, Borroto-Esoda K, Wohl DA, Coombs RW, James Loftis A, Alabanza P, Lipansky F, Painter WP. A phase 2a clinical trial of molnupiravir in patients with COVID-19 shows accelerated SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance and elimination of infectious virus. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabl7430. [PMID: 34941423 PMCID: PMC10763622 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl7430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for an effective, oral, direct-acting therapeutic to block transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and prevent progression to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In a phase 2a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter clinical trial, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, and antiviral efficacy of the nucleoside analog molnupiravir in 202 unvaccinated participants with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptom duration <7 days. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive molnupiravir (200 mg) or placebo and then 3:1 to receive molnupiravir (400 or 800 mg) or placebo, orally twice daily for 5 days. Antiviral activity was assessed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal swabs. Infectious virus was assessed by inoculation of cultured Vero cells with samples from nasopharyngeal swabs and was detected by RT-PCR. Time to viral RNA clearance (primary endpoint) was decreased in the 800-mg molnupiravir group (median 14 days) compared to the placebo group (median 15 days) (log rank P value = 0.013). Of participants receiving 800 mg of molnupiravir, 92.5% achieved viral RNA clearance compared with 80.3% of placebo recipients by study end (4 weeks). Infectious virus (secondary endpoint) was detected in swabs from 1.9% of the 800-mg molnupiravir group compared with 16.7% of the placebo group at day 3 of treatment (P = 0.016). At day 5 of treatment, infectious virus was not isolated from any participants receiving 400 or 800 mg of molnupiravir compared with 11.1% of placebo recipients (P = 0.034 and 0.027, respectively). Molnupiravir was well tolerated across all doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. Fischer
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joseph J. Eron
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Myron S. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy P. Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ralph Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katie R. Mollan
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cameron R. Wolfe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Duke
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - David A. Wohl
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert W. Coombs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy James Loftis
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paul Alabanza
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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365
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Abstract
The majority of medicines contain a nitrogen atom within a five- or six- membered ring. To rapidly access both such aza-heterocycles, we sought to develop a remote C-H desaturation of amines. Inspired by the Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag synthesis of five-membered pyrrolidines, we tackled the century-old challenge of synthesizing six-membered piperidines by H-atom transfer. We present herein a double, vicinal C-H oxidation by dual catalysis, entailing Ir photocatalytic initiation of 1,5-HAT by an N-centered radical and Cu-catalyzed interception of the C-centered radical to facilitate desaturation. By this mechanism, two C-H bonds (δ and ε to N) are regioselectively removed from unbiased, remote positions of an alkyl chain. Over 50 examples illustrate efficiency, selectivity, functional group tolerance, and medicinal utility of this synthesis of both internal and terminal δ vinylic amines and aza-heterocycles. Mechanistic experiments probe the alkylcopper intermediate, as well as kinetics and regioselectivity of the HAT and elimination steps.
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366
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Phong NV, Trang NM, Quyen CT, Anh HLT, Vinh LB. SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease inhibition by abietane-type diterpenes isolated from the branches of Glyptostrobus pensilis using molecular docking studies. Nat Prod Res 2022; 36:6336-6343. [PMID: 35021907 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2025801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Using various chromatographic methods, five abietane-type diterpenes were isolated from the branches of Glyptostrobus pensilis for the first time. The chemical structures of the isolates were identified by modern spectroscopic techniques, including 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by comparison with the literature. In addition, the binding potential of the isolated compounds to replicase protein, SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease, were examined using molecular docking studies. In silico results suggested that G. pensilis as well as abietane-types diterpenes are potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Viet Phong
- Institute of Marine Biochemistry (IMBC), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam.,College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Minh Trang
- Institute of Marine Biochemistry (IMBC), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam.,College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cao Thao Quyen
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoang Le Tuan Anh
- Center for Research and Technology Transfer, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Ba Vinh
- Institute of Marine Biochemistry (IMBC), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam.,College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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367
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Berlansky S, Sallinger M, Grabmayr H, Humer C, Bernhard A, Fahrner M, Frischauf I. Calcium Signals during SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Assessing the Potential of Emerging Therapies. Cells 2022; 11:253. [PMID: 35053369 PMCID: PMC8773957 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This respiratory illness was declared a pandemic by the world health organization (WHO) in March 2020, just a few weeks after being described for the first time. Since then, global research effort has considerably increased humanity's knowledge about both viruses and disease. It has also spawned several vaccines that have proven to be key tools in attenuating the spread of the pandemic and severity of COVID-19. However, with vaccine-related skepticism being on the rise, as well as breakthrough infections in the vaccinated population and the threat of a complete immune escape variant, alternative strategies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently required. Calcium signals have long been known to play an essential role in infection with diverse viruses and thus constitute a promising avenue for further research on therapeutic strategies. In this review, we introduce the pivotal role of calcium signaling in viral infection cascades. Based on this, we discuss prospective calcium-related treatment targets and strategies for the cure of COVID-19 that exploit viral dependence on calcium signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc Fahrner
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020 Linz, Austria; (S.B.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Irene Frischauf
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020 Linz, Austria; (S.B.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (A.B.)
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368
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Gong P. Within and Beyond the Nucleotide Addition Cycle of Viral RNA-dependent RNA Polymerases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:822218. [PMID: 35083282 PMCID: PMC8784604 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.822218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide addition cycle (NAC) is a fundamental process utilized by nucleic acid polymerases when carrying out nucleic acid biosynthesis. An induced-fit mechanism is usually taken by these polymerases upon NTP/dNTP substrate binding, leading to active site closure and formation of a phosphodiester bond. In viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, the post-chemistry translocation is stringently controlled by a structurally conserved motif, resulting in asymmetric movement of the template-product duplex. This perspective focuses on viral RdRP NAC and related mechanisms that have not been structurally clarified to date. Firstly, RdRP movement along the template strand in the absence of catalytic events may be relevant to catalytic complex dissociation or proofreading. Secondly, pyrophosphate or non-cognate NTP-mediated cleavage of the product strand 3′-nucleotide can also play a role in reactivating paused or arrested catalytic complexes. Furthermore, non-cognate NTP substrates, including NTP analog inhibitors, can not only alter NAC when being misincorporated, but also impact on subsequent NACs. Complications and challenges related to these topics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Drug Discovery Center for Infectious Diseases, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Gong,
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369
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Zarenezhad E, Marzi M. Review on molnupiravir as a promising oral drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Med Chem Res 2022; 31:232-243. [PMID: 35002192 PMCID: PMC8721938 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02841-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, various drug candidates have been developed, molnupiravir (MK-4482 and EIDD-2801), which is a new orally anti-viral agent under development for the treatment of COVID-19, is under study in the final stage of the clinical trial. Molnupiravir enhances the replication of viral RNA mutations in animals and humans. Due to the high demand for the synthesis of this drug, it was essential to develop an efficient and suitable synthetic pathway from raw material. In this study, molecular docking analysis on molnupiravir is examined also, the mechanism of action (MOA) and the recent synthetic pathway is reported. This review will be helpful to different disciplines such as medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Zarenezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Marzi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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370
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Malone B, Urakova N, Snijder EJ, Campbell EA. Structures and functions of coronavirus replication-transcription complexes and their relevance for SARS-CoV-2 drug design. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:21-39. [PMID: 34824452 PMCID: PMC8613731 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00432-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to cause massive global upheaval. Coronaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses with an unusually large genome of ~30 kb. They express an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and a cohort of other replication enzymes and supporting factors to transcribe and replicate their genomes. The proteins performing these essential processes are prime antiviral drug targets, but drug discovery is hindered by our incomplete understanding of coronavirus RNA synthesis and processing. In infected cells, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase must coordinate with other viral and host factors to produce both viral mRNAs and new genomes. Recent research aiming to decipher and contextualize the structures, functions and interplay of the subunits of the SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription complex proteins has burgeoned. In this Review, we discuss recent advancements in our understanding of the molecular basis and complexity of the coronavirus RNA-synthesizing machinery. Specifically, we outline the mechanisms and regulation of RNA translation, replication and transcription. We also discuss the composition of the replication and transcription complexes and their suitability as targets for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Malone
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY USA
| | - Nadya Urakova
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eric J. Snijder
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth A. Campbell
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY USA
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371
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Miguez-Rey E, Choi D, Kim S, Yoon S, Săndulescu O. Monoclonal antibody therapies in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:41-58. [PMID: 35164631 PMCID: PMC8862171 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that target key domains of the spike protein in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have therapeutic value because of their specificity. Depending on the targeted epitope, single agents may be effective, but combined treatment involving multiple NAbs may be necessary to prevent the emergence of resistant variants. AREAS COVERED This article highlights the accelerated regulatory processes established to facilitate the review and approval of potential therapies. An overview of treatment approaches for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with detailed examination of the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of NAbs, is provided. Finally, insights are offered into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of these agents. EXPERT OPINION NAbs offer an effective, evidence-based therapeutic intervention during the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection when viral replication is the primary factor driving disease progression. As the pandemic progresses, appropriate use of NAbs will be important to minimize the risk of escape variants. Ultimately, the availability of effective treatments for COVID-19 will allow the establishment of treatment algorithms for minimizing the substantial rates of hospitalization, morbidity (including long COVID) and mortality currently associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Miguez-Rey
- Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Dasom Choi
- Celltrion Healthcare Co., Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungmin Kim
- Celltrion Healthcare Co., Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwook Yoon
- Celltrion Healthcare Co., Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Prof. Dr. Matei Balș', Bucharest, Romania
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372
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Rai D, Manjhi P. Mild COVID- 19 Infection: Do we have any Effective Drugs? A Narrative Review. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF DR. D.Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_131_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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373
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Waters MD, Warren S, Hughes C, Lewis P, Zhang F. Human genetic risk of treatment with antiviral nucleoside analog drugs that induce lethal mutagenesis: The special case of molnupiravir. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2022; 63:37-63. [PMID: 35023215 DOI: 10.1002/em.22471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This review considers antiviral nucleoside analog drugs, including ribavirin, favipiravir, and molnupiravir, which induce genome error catastrophe in SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 via lethal mutagenesis as a mode of action. In vitro data indicate that molnupiravir may be 100 times more potent as an antiviral agent than ribavirin or favipiravir. Molnupiravir has recently demonstrated efficacy in a phase 3 clinical trial. Because of its anticipated global use, its relative potency, and the reported in vitro "host" cell mutagenicity of its active principle, β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine, we have reviewed the development of molnupiravir and its genotoxicity safety evaluation, as well as the genotoxicity profiles of three congeners, that is, ribavirin, favipiravir, and 5-(2-chloroethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine. We consider the potential genetic risks of molnupiravir on the basis of all available information and focus on the need for additional human genotoxicity data and follow-up in patients treated with molnupiravir and similar drugs. Such human data are especially relevant for antiviral NAs that have the potential of permanently modifying the genomes of treated patients and/or causing human teratogenicity or embryotoxicity. We conclude that the results of preclinical genotoxicity studies and phase 1 human clinical safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics are critical components of drug safety assessments and sentinels of unanticipated adverse health effects. We provide our rationale for performing more thorough genotoxicity testing prior to and within phase 1 clinical trials, including human PIG-A and error corrected next generation sequencing (duplex sequencing) studies in DNA and mitochondrial DNA of patients treated with antiviral NAs that induce genome error catastrophe via lethal mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Waters
- Michael Waters Consulting USA, Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Claude Hughes
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Fengyu Zhang
- Global Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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374
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Regunath H. COVID-19 Pills - A Long Awaited Ally for Out-Patient Therapeutics. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2022; 119:26-27. [PMID: 36033141 PMCID: PMC9312460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hariharan Regunath
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
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375
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Focosi D, Maggi F, McConnell S, Casadevall A. Very low levels of remdesivir resistance in SARS-COV-2 genomes after 18 months of massive usage during the COVID19 pandemic: A GISAID exploratory analysis. Antiviral Res 2022; 198:105247. [PMID: 35033572 PMCID: PMC8755559 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Laboratory of Microbiology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy.
| | - Scott McConnell
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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376
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Chavda VP, Vuppu S, Mishra T, Kamaraj S, Patel AB, Sharma N, Chen ZS. Recent review of COVID-19 management: diagnosis, treatment and vaccination. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:1120-1148. [PMID: 36214969 PMCID: PMC9549062 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00425-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The idiopathic Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has reached global proportions; the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a public health emergency during the month of January 30, 2020. The major causes of the rise of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are genetic mutations and recombination. Some of the variants with high infection and transmission rates are termed as variants of concern (VOCs) like currently Omicron variants. Pregnant women, aged people, and immunosuppressed and compromised patients constitute the most susceptible human population to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially to the new evolving VOCs. To effectively manage the pathological condition of infection, the focus should be directed towards prevention and prophylactic approach. In this narrative review, we aimed to analyze the current scenario of COVID-19 management and discuss the treatment and prevention strategies. We also focused on the complications prevalent during the COVID-19 and post-COVID period and to discuss the novel approaches developed for mitigation of the global pandemic. We have also emphasized on the COVID-19 management approaches for the special population including children, pregnant women, aged groups, and immunocompromised patients. We conclude that the advancements in therapeutic and pharmacological domains have provided opportunities to develop and design novel diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. New advanced techniques such as RT-LAMP, RT-qPCR, High-Resolution Computed Tomography, etc., efficiently diagnose patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the case of treatment options, new drugs like paxlovid, combinations of β-lactum drugs and molnupiravir are found to be effective against even the new emerging variants. In addition, vaccination is an essential approach to prevent the infection or to reduce its severity. Vaccines for against COVID-19 from Comirnaty by Pfizer-BioNTech, SpikeVax by Moderna, and Vaxzevria by Oxford-AstraZeneca are approved and used widely. Similarly, numerous vaccines have been developed with different percentages of effectiveness against VOCs. New developments like nanotechnology and AI can be beneficial in providing an efficient and reliable solution for the suppression of SARS-CoV-2. Public health concerns can be efficiently treated by a unified scientific approach, public engagement, and better diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P. Chavda
- grid.419037.80000 0004 1765 7930Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L M College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009 Gujarat India
| | - Suneetha Vuppu
- grid.412813.d0000 0001 0687 4946Department of Biotechnology, Science, Innovation, and Society Research Lab 115, Hexagon (SMV), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Toshika Mishra
- grid.412813.d0000 0001 0687 4946Department of Biotechnology, Science, Innovation, and Society Research Lab 115, Hexagon (SMV), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Sathvika Kamaraj
- grid.412813.d0000 0001 0687 4946Department of Biotechnology, Science, Innovation, and Society Research Lab 115, Hexagon (SMV), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Aayushi B. Patel
- grid.419037.80000 0004 1765 7930Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L M College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009 Gujarat India
| | - Nikita Sharma
- grid.412813.d0000 0001 0687 4946Department of Biotechnology, Science, Innovation, and Society Research Lab 115, Hexagon (SMV), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- grid.264091.80000 0001 1954 7928Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, NY 11439 USA
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377
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Rahmah L, Abarikwu SO, Arero AG, Essouma M, Jibril AT, Fal A, Flisiak R, Makuku R, Marquez L, Mohamed K, Ndow L, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rezaei N, Rzymski P. Oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19: opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:1255-1278. [PMID: 35871712 PMCID: PMC9309032 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of antiviral COVID-19 medications can successfully inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and prevent disease progression to a more severe form. However, the timing of antiviral treatment plays a crucial role in this regard. Oral antiviral drugs provide an opportunity to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection without a need for hospital admission, easing the general burden that COVID-19 can have on the healthcare system. This review paper (i) presents the potential pharmaceutical antiviral targets, including various host-based targets and viral-based targets, (ii) characterizes the first-generation anti-SARS-CoV-2 oral drugs (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir), (iii) summarizes the clinical progress of other oral antivirals for use in COVID-19, (iv) discusses ethical issues in such clinical trials and (v) presents challenges associated with the use of oral antivirals in clinical practice. Oral COVID-19 antivirals represent a part of the strategy to adapt to long-term co-existence with SARS-CoV-2 in a manner that prevents healthcare from being overwhelmed. It is pivotal to ensure equal and fair global access to the currently available oral antivirals and those authorized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Rahmah
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sunny O. Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Choba, Nigeria
| | - Amanuel Godana Arero
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mickael Essouma
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Aliyu Tijani Jibril
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Nutritional and Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Department of Population Health, Division of Public Health, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland ,Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland ,Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Rangarirai Makuku
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Leander Marquez
- College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines ,Education and Research Network (USERN), Universal Scientific, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Kawthar Mohamed
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Manama, Bahrain
| | - Lamin Ndow
- National Health Laboratory Service, Kotu, Gambia ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Banjul, Gambia
| | | | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland ,Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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378
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Applications of density functional theory in COVID-19 drug modeling. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1411-1419. [PMID: 34954327 PMCID: PMC8695517 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to millions of deaths around the world, highlighting the pressing need to develop effective antiviral pharmaceuticals. Recent efforts with computer-aided rational drug discovery have allowed detailed examination of drug–macromolecule interactions primarily by molecular mechanics (MM) techniques. Less widely applied in COVID-19 drug modeling is density functional theory (DFT), a quantum mechanics (QM) method that enables electronic structure calculations and elucidations of reaction mechanisms. Here, we review recent advances in applying DFT in molecular modeling studies of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals. We start by providing an overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) drugs and targets, followed by a brief introduction to DFT. We then provide a discussion of different approaches by which DFT has been applied. Finally, we discuss essential factors to consider when incorporating DFT in future drug modeling research.
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379
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Focosi D, Maggi F, Franchini M, McConnell S, Casadevall A. Analysis of Immune Escape Variants from Antibody-Based Therapeutics against COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:29. [PMID: 35008446 PMCID: PMC8744556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The accelerated SARS-CoV-2 evolution under selective pressure by massive deployment of neutralizing antibody-based therapeutics is a concern with potentially severe implications for public health. We review here reports of documented immune escape after treatment with monoclonal antibodies and COVID-19-convalescent plasma (CCP). While the former is mainly associated with specific single amino acid mutations at residues within the receptor-binding domain (e.g., E484K/Q, Q493R, and S494P), a few cases of immune evasion after CCP were associated with recurrent deletions within the N-terminal domain of the spike protein (e.g., ΔHV69-70, ΔLGVY141-144 and ΔAL243-244). The continuous genomic monitoring of non-responders is needed to better understand immune escape frequencies and the fitness of emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Massimo Franchini
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, 46100 Mantua, Italy;
| | - Scott McConnell
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (S.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (S.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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380
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Yuen KS, Ye ZW, Fung SY, Cheung PHH, Chan CP, Jin DY. SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: revisiting the most important research questions. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:215. [PMID: 34922626 PMCID: PMC8683810 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In February 2020, we highlighted the top nine important research questions on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 concerning virus transmission, asymptomatic and presymptomatic virus shedding, diagnosis, treatment, vaccine development, origin of virus and viral pathogenesis. These and related questions are revisited at the end of 2021 to shed light on the roadmap of bringing an end to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit-San Yuen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zi-Wei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Sin-Yee Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Pak-Hin Hinson Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Ping Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Dong-Yan Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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381
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Fier PS, Xu Y, Poirier M, Brito G, Zheng M, Bade R, Sirota E, Stone K, Tan L, Humphrey GR, Chang D, Bothe J, Zhang Y, Bernardoni F, Castro S, Zompa MA, Taylor J, Sirk KM, Diaz-Santana A, Diribe I, Emerson KM, Krishnamurthi B, Zhao R, Ward M, Xiao C, Ouyand H, Zhan J, Morris WJ. Development of a Robust Manufacturing Route for Molnupiravir, an Antiviral for the Treatment of COVID-19. Org Process Res Dev 2021; 25:2806-2815. [PMID: 35095257 PMCID: PMC8790826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein is described the development of a large-scale manufacturing process for molnupiravir, an orally dosed antiviral that was recently demonstrated to be efficacious for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The yield, robustness, and efficiency of each of the five steps were improved, ultimately culminating in a 1.6-fold improvement in overall yield and a dramatic increase in the overall throughput compared to the baseline process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S. Fier
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Yingju Xu
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Marc Poirier
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Gilmar Brito
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Michelle Zheng
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Rachel Bade
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Eric Sirota
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Kevin Stone
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Lushi Tan
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Guy R. Humphrey
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Darryl Chang
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jameson Bothe
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Yongqian Zhang
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Frank Bernardoni
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Steve Castro
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Michael A. Zompa
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jerry Taylor
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Kevin M. Sirk
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Anthony Diaz-Santana
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Ike Diribe
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Khateeta M. Emerson
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Bharath Krishnamurthi
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Ralph Zhao
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Michael Ward
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Chengqian Xiao
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd., WaiGaoQiao
Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Honggui Ouyand
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd., WaiGaoQiao
Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhan
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd., WaiGaoQiao
Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - William J. Morris
- Department
of Process Research and Development, Merck
& Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
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382
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Wang Z, Yang L. Broad-spectrum prodrugs with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities: Strategies, benefits, and challenges. J Med Virol 2021; 94:1373-1390. [PMID: 34897729 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this era, broad-spectrum prodrugs with anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activities are gaining considerable attention owing to their potential clinical benefits and role in combating the fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The last 2 years have seen a surge of reports on various broad-spectrum prodrugs against SARS-CoV-2, and in in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical practice. Currently, only remdesivir (with many controversies and limitations) has been approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and additional potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs are urgently required to enrich the defense arsenals. The world has ubiquitously grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the availability of broad-spectrum prodrugs provides great hope for us to subdue this global threat. This article reviews promising treatment strategies, antiviral mechanisms, potential benefits, and daunting clinical challenges of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents to provide some important guidance for future clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Polarization and Information Technology, School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, P. R. China
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383
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Hardenbrook NJ, Zhang P. A structural view of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its assembly. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 52:123-134. [PMID: 34915287 PMCID: PMC8642146 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Structural biology plays a vital role in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and treatment. High-resolution structures of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and complexes have been obtained. In situ structures of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its assembly are visualized by cryoET.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that struck in 2019 has left the world crippled with hundreds of millions of cases and millions of people dead. During this time, we have seen unprecedented support and collaboration amongst scientists to respond to this deadly disease. Advances in the field of structural biology, in particular cryoEM and cryo-electron tomography, have allowed unprecedented structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we review the structural work on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and viral components, as well as its cellular assembly process, highlighting some important structural findings that have made significant impact on the protection from and treatment of emerging viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Hardenbrook
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK; Electron Bio-Imaging Centre, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.
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384
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Zhao Y, He G, Huang W. A novel model of molnupiravir against SARS-CoV-2 replication: accumulated RNA mutations to induce error catastrophe. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:410. [PMID: 34857753 PMCID: PMC8637023 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Zhao
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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385
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Patil SM, Maruthi KR, Bajpe SN, Vyshali VM, Sushmitha S, Akhila C, Ramu R. Comparative molecular docking and simulation analysis of molnupiravir and remdesivir with SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Bioinformation 2021; 17:932-939. [PMID: 35655903 PMCID: PMC9148593 DOI: 10.6026/97320630017932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 targeting its RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is of current interest. Remdesivir has been approved for the treatment of COVID-19 around the world. However, the drug has been linked with pharmacological limitations like adverse effects and reduced efficiency. Nevertheless, recent advancements have depicted molnupiravir as an effective therapeutic agent to target the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. The drug has cleared both in vitro and in vivo screening. It is in phase-III clinical trial. Nonetheless, there are no data on themolecular binding interaction of molnupiravir with RdRp. Therefore, it is of interest to report the binding interaction of molnupiravir using molecular docking. It is also of interest to show its stability during interaction using molecular dynamics and binding free energy calculations along with drug likeliness and pharmacokinetic properties in comparison with remdesivir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank M Patil
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru-570015, Karnataka, India
| | - KR Maruthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College (Autonomous), Ujire-574240, Karnataka, India
| | - Shrisha Naik Bajpe
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College (Autonomous), Ujire-574240, Karnataka, India
| | - VM Vyshali
- Department of Biotechnology, BMS College for Women, Basavangudi, Bengaluru-560004, Karnataka, India
| | - S Sushmitha
- Department of Biotechnology, BMS College for Women, Basavangudi, Bengaluru-560004, Karnataka, India
| | - Chagalamari Akhila
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru-570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramith Ramu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru-570015, Karnataka, India
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386
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Hu S, Jiang S, Qi X, Bai R, Ye XY, Xie T. Races of small molecule clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19: An up-to-date comprehensive review. Drug Dev Res 2021; 83:16-54. [PMID: 34762760 PMCID: PMC8653368 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic has become a global threat since its first outbreak at the end of 2019. Several review articles have been published recently, focusing on the aspects of target biology, drug repurposing, and mechanisms of action (MOAs) for potential treatment. This review gathers all small molecules currently in active clinical trials, categorizes them into six sub‐classes, and summarizes their clinical progress. The aim is to provide the researchers from both pharmaceutical industries and academic institutes with the handful information and dataset to accelerate their research programs in searching effective small molecule therapy for treatment of COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwen Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal Umiversity, Hangzhou, China.,Hangzhou Huadong Medicine Group, Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Songwei Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal Umiversity, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal Umiversity, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renren Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal Umiversity, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal Umiversity, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal Umiversity, Hangzhou, China
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387
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388
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Singh AK, Singh A, Singh R, Misra A. Molnupiravir in COVID-19: A systematic review of literature. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102329. [PMID: 34742052 PMCID: PMC8556684 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Molnupiravir is a newer oral antiviral drug that has recently been tested in COVID-19. We aim to conduct a systematic review of literature to find out the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in patients with COVID-19. METHODS We systematically searched the electronic database of PubMed, MedRxiv and Google Scholar from inception until October 15, 2021, using MeSH keywords. Ongoing trials of molnupiravir in COVID-19 were additionally searched from the ClinicalTrials.Gov and ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials. We retrieved all the available granular details of phase 1 to 3 studies of molnupiravir in COVID-19. Subsequently we reviewed the results narratively. RESULTS Two phase 1 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled (DBRPC) studies of molnupiravir showed that 1600 mg daily dose is safe and tolerable, without any serious adverse events up to 5.5 days. One phase 2 DBPRC study found significantly lower time to clearance (RNA negativity) with molnupiravir 800 mg twice daily compared to the placebo (log-rank p value = 0.013) in mild to moderate COVID-19. Interim report of one phase 3 DBRPC study in non-hospitalized COVID-19 found a significant reduction in the risk of hospital admission or death by 50% (p = 0.0012). However, no significant benefit was observed with molnupiravir in the later stage of moderate to severe COVID-19. CONCLUSION Molnupiravir is first oral antiviral drug to demonstrate a significant benefit in reducing hospitalization or death in mild COVID-19 and could be an important weapon in the battle against SARS-CoV-2. However, its role in moderate to severe COVID-19 is questionable and more studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akriti Singh
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Ritu Singh
- G. D Hospital & Diabetes Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anoop Misra
- Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes & Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India; National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, New Delhi, India; Diabetes Foundation (India), New Delhi, India
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389
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Yoo JH. Antivirals for Coexistence with COVID-19: Brief Review for General Physicians. J Korean Med Sci 2021; 36:e298. [PMID: 34725982 PMCID: PMC8560319 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to end the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has lasted for nearly two years, it is most necessary to introduce antiviral drugs specific to COVID-19 along with the establishment of herd immunity by vaccination. Candidates currently being studied include nucleoside analogues that inhibit replication, protease inhibitors, and entry blockers. Not only the virus itself, but also the host protein that the virus uses in its pathogenesis is the target of treatment. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 will not be completely eradicated, if the use of antiviral drugs is established, the COVID-19 pandemic will end through coexistence with the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Yoo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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390
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Could Molnupiravir Reduce Viral Burden of COVID-19? ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.119926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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391
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Discovery, Development, and Patent Trends on Molnupiravir: A Prospective Oral Treatment for COVID-19. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195795. [PMID: 34641339 PMCID: PMC8510125 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic needs no introduction at present. Only a few treatments are available for this disease, including remdesivir and favipiravir. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical industry is striving to develop new treatments for COVID-19. Molnupiravir, an orally active RdRp inhibitor, is in a phase 3 clinical trial against COVID-19. The objective of this review article is to enlighten the researchers working on COVID-19 about the discovery, recent developments, and patents related to molnupiravir. Molnupiravir was originally developed for the treatment of influenza at Emory University, USA. However, this drug has also demonstrated activity against a variety of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Now it is being jointly developed by Emory University, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, and Merck to treat COVID-19. The published clinical data indicate a good safety profile, tolerability, and oral bioavailability of molnupiravir in humans. The patient-compliant oral dosage form of molnupiravir may hit the market in the first or second quarter of 2022. The patent data of molnupiravir revealed its granted compound patent and process-related patent applications. We also anticipate patent filing related to oral dosage forms, inhalers, and a combination of molnupiravir with marketed drugs like remdesivir, favipiravir, and baricitinib. The current pandemic demands a patient compliant, safe, tolerable, and orally effective COVID-19 treatment. The authors believe that molnupiravir meets these requirements and is a breakthrough COVID-19 treatment.
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392
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Malone
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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393
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Maheden K, Todd B, Gordon CJ, Tchesnokov EP, Götte M. Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases with clinically relevant nucleotide analogs. Enzymes 2021; 49:315-354. [PMID: 34696837 PMCID: PMC8517576 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of viral infections remains challenging, in particular in the face of emerging pathogens. Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs could potentially be used as a first line of defense. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses serves as a logical target for drug discovery and development efforts. Herein we discuss compounds that target RdRp of poliovirus, hepatitis C virus, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and the growing data on coronaviruses. We focus on nucleotide analogs and mechanisms of action and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Maheden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brendan Todd
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Calvin J Gordon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Egor P Tchesnokov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology at University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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394
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Abstract
The current focus for many researchers has turned to the development of therapeutics that have the potential for serving as broad-spectrum inhibitors that can target numerous viruses, both within a particular family, as well as to span across multiple viral families. This will allow us to build an arsenal of therapeutics that could be used for the next outbreak. In that regard, nucleosides have served as the cornerstone for antiviral therapy for many decades. As detailed herein, many nucleosides have been shown to inhibit multiple viruses due to the conserved nature of many viral enzyme binding sites. Thus, it is somewhat surprising that up until very recently, many researchers focused more on "one bug one drug," rather than trying to target multiple viruses given those similarities. This attitude is now changing due to the realization that we need to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to combating emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. A brief summary of prominent nucleoside analogues that previously exhibited broad-spectrum activity and are now under renewed interest, as well as new analogues, that are currently under investigation against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses is discussed herein.
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