1
|
Bai F, Beringheli T, Vitaletti V, Santoro A, Molà F, Copes A, Gemignani N, Pettenuzzo S, Castoldi R, Varisco B, Nardo R, Lundgren LB, Ligresti R, Sala M, Albertini L, Augello M, Biasioli L, Bono V, Rovito R, Bini T, Passarella S, Orfeo NV, Monforte AD, Marchetti G. Clinical Outcome and 7-Day Virological Clearance in High-Risk Patients with Mild-Moderate COVID-19 Treated with Molnupiravir, Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, or Remdesivir. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:1589-1605. [PMID: 38829439 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00994-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compared the effectiveness and virological clearance (VC) at day 7 (T7) post-treatment with molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and remdesivir in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at high risk (HR) for clinical progression. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study enrolling HR patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (Jan-Oct 2022) treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or molnupiravir or 3 days of remdesivir. We investigated clinical recovery at T7 (resolution of symptoms for ≥ 72 h or all-cause death), VC at T7 (PCR/antigenic negative nasopharyngeal swab), and median time to VC (days from symptom onset to the first negative swab). Factors associated with VC were investigated by logistic regression. RESULTS In the study, 92/376 (43.8%) patients received molnupiravir, 150/376 (24.7%) nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and 134/376 (31.5%) remdesivir. Forty-nine (13%) patients were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were younger and presented immunodeficiencies more frequently; remdesivir was used more commonly in patients hospitalized for other diseases. A high proportion of patients obtained clinical recovery without differences among the therapies (97.5% for molnupiravir, 98.3% for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and 93.6% for remdesivir); 12 (3.7%) patients died. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was associated with a higher proportion of T7 VC and a shorter time to VC compared to molnupiravir/remdesivir, also after adjustment for age and immunodeficiency (AOR 0.445 RDV vs. NMV-r, 95% CI 0.240-0.826, p = 0.010; AOR 0.222 MNP vs. NMV-r, 95% CI 0.105-0.472, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS SARS-COV-2 antiviral treatments are an excellent therapeutic strategy in HR patients. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir showed a higher proportion of VC as early as 7 days after treatment, confirming its likely superiority in indirect comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bai
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Tomaso Beringheli
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Vitaletti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Santoro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Molà
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Copes
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicole Gemignani
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Sofia Pettenuzzo
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Castoldi
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Varisco
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Nardo
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brando Lundgren
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ligresti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Sala
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Albertini
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Augello
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Biasioli
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Bono
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Rovito
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Bini
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonella d'Arminio Monforte
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Focosi D, Franchini M, Maggi F, Shoham S. COVID-19 therapeutics. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0011923. [PMID: 38771027 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00119-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYSince the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, an unprecedented range of therapeutic options has been studied and deployed. Healthcare providers have multiple treatment approaches to choose from, but efficacy of those approaches often remains controversial or compromised by viral evolution. Uncertainties still persist regarding the best therapies for high-risk patients, and the drug pipeline is suffering fatigue and shortage of funding. In this article, we review the antiviral activity, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety of COVID-19 antiviral therapies. Additionally, we summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials on efficacy and safety of the various COVID-19 antivirals and discuss unmet needs which should be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Franchini
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Shmuel Shoham
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cheema HA, Abdul Rab S, Butt M, Jafar U, Shahid A, Rehman AU, Lee KY, Sahra S, Sah R. Molnupiravir for the treatment of COVID-19 outpatients: An updated meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2024; 57:396-402. [PMID: 38555274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of available data on molnupiravir come from an unvaccinated COVID-19 population. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to integrate evidence from recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as observational studies stratified by vaccination status to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in COVID-19 outpatients. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, medRxiv, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 2023. We conducted our meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 with risk ratio (RR) as the effect measure. RESULTS We included 8 RCTs and 5 observational studies in our meta-analysis. Molnupiravir reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.20-0.79, I2 = 0%) but did not decrease the hospitalization rate (RR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45-1.00, I2 = 53%) in the overall population; in the immunized population, no benefits were observed. Molnupiravir lowered the rate of no recovery (RR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.76-0.81, I2 = 0%) and increased virological clearance at day 5 (RR 2.68; 95% CI: 1.94-4.22, I2 = 85%). There was no increase in the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Molnupiravir does not decrease mortality and hospitalization rates in immunized patients with COVID-19. However, it does shorten the disease course and increases the recovery rate. The use of molnupiravir will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis in the context of the prevailing social circumstances, the resource setting, drug costs, and the healthcare burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huzaifa Ahmad Cheema
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | | | - Momina Butt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Uzair Jafar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abia Shahid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aqeeb Ur Rehman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ka Yiu Lee
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.
| | - Syeda Sahra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Salvadori N, Jourdain G, Krittayaphong R, Siripongboonsitti T, Kongsaengdao S, Atipornwanich K, Sakulkonkij P, Angkasekwinai N, Sirijatuphat R, Chusri S, Mekavuthikul T, Apisarnthanarak A, Srichatrapimuk S, Sungkanuparph S, Kirdlarp S, Phongnarudech T, Sangsawang S, Napinkul P, Achalapong J, Khusuwan S, Pratipanawat P, Nookeu P, Danpipat N, Leethong P, Hanvoravongchai P, Sukrakanchana PO, Auewarakul P. Molnupiravir versus favipiravir in at-risk outpatients with COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial in Thailand. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 143:107021. [PMID: 38561040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir and favipiravir in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and at risk of severe COVID-19. METHODS In an open-label, parallel-group, multicenter trial in Thailand, participants with moderate COVID-19 and at least one factor associated with severe COVID-19 were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive oral molnupiravir or oral favipiravir (standard of care). Phone calls for remote symptom assessment were made on Days 6, 15, and 29. Participants with worsening symptoms were instructed to return to the hospital. The primary endpoint was pulmonary involvement by Day 29, as evidenced by ≥2 of the following: dyspnea, oxygen saturation <92% or imaging. RESULTS Nine hundred seventy-seven participants (487 molnupiravir, 490 favipiravir) were enrolled from 8 July 2022 to 19 January 2023. 98% had received ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83% ≥3 doses. By Day 29, pulmonary involvement occurred in 0% (0/483) in molnupiravir arm versus 1% (5/482) in favipiravir arm (-1.0%; Newcombe 95.2% CI: -2.4% to -0.0%; P = 0.021); all-cause death in 0% (0/483) and <1% (1/482); COVID-19 related hospitalization in <1% (1/483) and 1% (3/482); treatment-related adverse event in 1% (5/483) and 1% (4/486); and serious adverse event in 1% (4/483) and 1% (4/486). CONCLUSIONS Favipiravir and molnupiravir had a similar efficacy and safety profile. Whether either of the two reduced the risk of complications during the omicron era in this population with a low risk of pulmonary involvement and a high vaccine coverage remains unclear. There were no differences in any of the safety endpoints. THAI CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY ID TCTR20230111009.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salvadori
- AMS-PHPT Research Collaboration, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Gonzague Jourdain
- AMS-PHPT Research Collaboration, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarunyou Chusri
- Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | | | | | - Sirawat Srichatrapimuk
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Somnuek Sungkanuparph
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Suppachok Kirdlarp
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Thanyakamol Phongnarudech
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pra-Ornsuda Sukrakanchana
- AMS-PHPT Research Collaboration, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Prasert Auewarakul
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zheng Z, Zhou J, Song Y. Safety of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors, Molnupiravir and VV116, for Oral Treatment of COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:275-285. [PMID: 38751873 PMCID: PMC11091272 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2024.99837.3196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors, molnupiravir and VV116, have the potential to maximize clinical benefits in the oral treatment of COVID-19. Subjects who consume these drugs may experience an increased incidence of adverse events. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of molnupiravir and VV116. Methods A comprehensive search of scientific and medical databases, such as PubMed Central/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, was conducted to find relevant articles in English from January 2020 to June 2023. Any kind of adverse events reported in the study were pooled and analyzed in the drug group versus the control group. Estimates of risk effects were summarized through the random effects model using Review Manager version 5.2, and sensitivity analysis was performed by Stata 17.0 software. Results Fifteen studies involving 32,796 subjects were included. Eleven studies were placebo-controlled, and four were Paxlovid-controlled. Twelve studies reported adverse events for molnupiravir, and three studies described adverse events for VV116. The total odds ratio (OR) for adverse events in the RdRp inhibitor versus the placebo-controlled group was 1.01 (95% CI=0.84-1.22; I2=26%), P=0.88. The total OR for adverse events in the RdRp inhibitor versus the Paxlovid-controlled group was 0.32 (95% CI=0.16-0.65; I2=87%), P=0.002. Individual drug subgroup analysis in the placebo-controlled study showed that compared with the placebo group, a total OR for adverse events was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.85-1.10; I2=0%) in the molnupiravir group and 3.77 (95% CI=0.08-175.77; I2=85%) in the VV116 group. Conclusion The RdRp inhibitors molnupiravir and VV116 are safe for oral treatment of COVID-19. Further evidence is necessary that RdRp inhibitors have a higher safety profile than Paxlovid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zequn Zheng
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, No. 378 Dongqing Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo
- Department of Cardiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Jiaozhi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongfei Song
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, No. 378 Dongqing Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iketani S, Ho DD. SARS-CoV-2 resistance to monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule drugs. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:632-657. [PMID: 38640902 PMCID: PMC11084874 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Over four years have passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientific response has been rapid and effective, with many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and small molecules developed for clinical use. However, given the ability for viruses to become resistant to antivirals, it is perhaps no surprise that the field has identified resistance to nearly all of these compounds. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the resistance profile for each of these therapeutics. We hope that this resource provides an atlas for mutations to be aware of for each agent, particularly as a springboard for considerations for the next generation of antivirals. Finally, we discuss the outlook and thoughts for moving forward in how we continue to manage this, and the next, pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Iketani
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - David D Ho
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wommack A, Holloway AB, Stallings KA, Lundin PM. Scaling the Process Chemistry of a COVID-19 Antiviral Pharmaceutical Down for a Multistep Synthesis Experiment in the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2024; 101:1211-1217. [PMID: 38495616 PMCID: PMC10938635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Molnupiravir is an orally bioavailable direct acting antiviral agent that received emergency use authorization in late 2021 from the FDA for the treatment of patients with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19. This prodrug is metabolized into a ribonucleoside that is incorporated into the viral RNA during replication. Its tautomerization between cytidine- and uridine-like forms ultimately causes multiple irreversible errors in the genetic code of the virus, which prevents successful viral replication. There are multiple process chemistry routes for molnupiravir synthesis published in the literature that attempt to maximize synthetic yield while minimizing cost and waste, which are goals similar to those of an implementable educational laboratory experiment for the teaching laboratory. We have developed a multiweek laboratory module for undergraduate students in which students conduct a multistep synthesis of molnupiravir. Specifically, our Organic Chemistry II Laboratory students performed the final two steps of molnupiravir synthesis using procedures derived directly from the published process chemistry literature. We utilized this opportunity to introduce students to reading and interpreting these primary experimental sources. Students obtained authentic characterization data via high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to assess the conversion and purity of their products at each synthetic step. We report our in-lab activities and student generated data as well as suggestions for how this laboratory experiment could be tailored to meet similar learning objectives in other courses, such as medicinal chemistry or capstone laboratory courses, and as a function of available instrumentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew
J. Wommack
- Department
of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina 27268, United States
- Cambrex, High Point, North Carolina 27265, United States
| | - Aaliyah B. Holloway
- Department
of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina 27268, United States
| | - Kaitlyn A. Stallings
- Department
of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina 27268, United States
| | - Pamela M. Lundin
- Department
of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina 27268, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Standing JF, Buggiotti L, Guerra-Assuncao JA, Woodall M, Ellis S, Agyeman AA, Miller C, Okechukwu M, Kirkpatrick E, Jacobs AI, Williams CA, Roy S, Martin-Bernal LM, Williams R, Smith CM, Sanderson T, Ashford FB, Emmanuel B, Afzal ZM, Shields A, Richter AG, Dorward J, Gbinigie O, Van Hecke O, Lown M, Francis N, Jani B, Richards DB, Rahman NM, Yu LM, Thomas NPB, Hart ND, Evans P, Andersson M, Hayward G, Hood K, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Little P, Hobbs FDR, Khoo S, Butler C, Lowe DM, Breuer J. Randomized controlled trial of molnupiravir SARS-CoV-2 viral and antibody response in at-risk adult outpatients. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1652. [PMID: 38396069 PMCID: PMC10891158 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral clearance, antibody response and the mutagenic effect of molnupiravir has not been elucidated in at-risk populations. Non-hospitalised participants within 5 days of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms randomised to receive molnupiravir (n = 253) or Usual Care (n = 324) were recruited to study viral and antibody dynamics and the effect of molnupiravir on viral whole genome sequence from 1437 viral genomes. Molnupiravir accelerates viral load decline, but virus is detectable by Day 5 in most cases. At Day 14 (9 days post-treatment), molnupiravir is associated with significantly higher viral persistence and significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody titres compared to Usual Care. Serial sequencing reveals increased mutagenesis with molnupiravir treatment. Persistence of detectable viral RNA at Day 14 in the molnupiravir group is associated with higher transition mutations following treatment cessation. Viral viability at Day 14 is similar in both groups with post-molnupiravir treated samples cultured up to 9 days post cessation of treatment. The current 5-day molnupiravir course is too short. Longer courses should be tested to reduce the risk of potentially transmissible molnupiravir-mutated variants being generated. Trial registration: ISRCTN30448031.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Standing
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Laura Buggiotti
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jose Afonso Guerra-Assuncao
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maximillian Woodall
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Samuel Ellis
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Akosua A Agyeman
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Charles Miller
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mercy Okechukwu
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Kirkpatrick
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amy I Jacobs
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte A Williams
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sunando Roy
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Luz M Martin-Bernal
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Williams
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire M Smith
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona B Ashford
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Beena Emmanuel
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zaheer M Afzal
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adrian Shields
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alex G Richter
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jienchi Dorward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oghenekome Gbinigie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oliver Van Hecke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Lown
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Bhautesh Jani
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Duncan B Richards
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Najib M Rahman
- Respiratory Trials Unit and Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ly-Mee Yu
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Nigel D Hart
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Philip Evans
- APEx (Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care), University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- National Institute of Health and Care Research, Clinical Research Network, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - F D Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David M Lowe
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Judith Breuer
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen MP, Jiang DX, Rang JX, Zhuo HB, Zhou ZG. Comparison of azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3318. [PMID: 38337014 PMCID: PMC10858188 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53862-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and molnupiravir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. This retrospective cohort study included patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (asymptomatic, mild, and common types) at the First Hospital of Changsha (Hunan Province, China) between March and November 2022. Eligible patients were classified into the azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, or molnupiravir groups according to the antiviral agents they received. The outcomes were the times to nucleic acid negative conversion (NANC). This study included 157 patients treated with azvudine (n = 66), molnupiravir (n = 66), or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n = 25). There were no statistically significant differences in the time from diagnosis to NANC among the azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir groups [median, 9 (95% CI 9-11) vs. 11 (95% CI 10-12) vs. 9 (95% CI 8-12) days, P = 0.15], time from administration to NANC [median, 9 (95% CI 8-10) vs. 10 (95% CI 9.48-11) vs. 8.708 (95% CI 7.51-11) days, P = 0.50], or hospital stay [median, 11 (95% CI 11-13) vs. 13 (95% CI 12-14) vs. 12 (95% CI 10-14) days, P = 0.14], even after adjustment for sex, age, COVID-19 type, comorbidities, Ct level, time from diagnosis to antiviral treatment, and number of symptoms. The cumulative NANC rates in the azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir groups were 15.2%/12.3%/16.0% at day 5 (P = 0.858), 34.8%/21.5%/32.0% at day 7 (P = 0.226), 66.7%/52.3%/60.0% at 10 days (P = 0.246), and 86.4%/86.2%/80.0% at day 14 (P = 0.721). No serious adverse events were reported. Azvudine may be comparable to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 regarding time to NANC, hospital stay, and AEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ping Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The First Hospital of Changsha), Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Di-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The First Hospital of Changsha), Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xi Rang
- Department of Nurse, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The First Hospital of Changsha), Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Bo Zhuo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The First Hospital of Changsha), Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Guo Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The First Hospital of Changsha), Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rodríguez-Artalejo FJ, Ruiz-Galiana J, Cantón R, De Lucas Ramos P, García-Botella A, García-Lledó A, Hernández-Sampelayo T, Gómez-Pavón J, González Del Castillo J, Martín-Delgado MC, Martín Sánchez FJ, Martínez-Sellés M, Molero García JM, Moreno Guillén S, García de Viedma D, Bouza E. COVID-19: On the threshold of the fifth year. The situation in Spain. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2024; 37:17-28. [PMID: 38009431 PMCID: PMC10874674 DOI: 10.37201/req/123.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite having emerged from pandemic status, the incidence of COVID-19 episodes has recently increased in Spain, including pediatric cases and admissions to Intensive Care Units. Several recombinant variants are circulating among us, particularly XBB arising from two Omicron BA.2 sublineages with mutations in the genes encoding the spicule proteins that could increase binding to the ACE2 receptor and be more prone to immune escape. Faced with these, 3 pharmaceutical companies have developed vaccines adapted to the XBB.1.5 sublineage that are already available for administration in our setting with risks that should not be different from those of previous mRNA vaccines and with clearly favorable benefit/risk ratios. They should be applied to patients with potential for poor COVID-19 evolution and to collectives that have a particular relationship of proximity with them. Their application should be understood not only from a perspective of individual convenience but also from that of collective responsibility. The most convenient seems to be a simultaneous immunization of COVID-19 and influenza in our environment. In the therapeutic aspect, there is little to expect right now from antisera, but the already known antiviral drugs are still available and indicated, although their efficacy will have to be reevaluated due to their impact on populations that are mostly immunized and with a better prognosis than in the past. In our opinion, it is necessary to continue to make a reasonable and timely use of masks and other non-pharmacological means of protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - E Bouza
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense. CIBERES. Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias. Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schilling WHK, Jittamala P, Watson JA, Boyd S, Luvira V, Siripoon T, Ngamprasertchai T, Batty EM, Cruz C, Callery JJ, Singh S, Saroj M, Kruabkontho V, Ngernseng T, Tanglakmankhong N, Tubprasert J, Abdad MY, Madmanee W, Kouhathong J, Suwannasin K, Pagornrat W, Piaraksa N, Hanboonkunupakarn P, Hanboonkunupakarn B, Poovorawan K, Potaporn M, Srisubat A, Loharjun B, Taylor WRJ, Chotivanich V, Chotivanich K, Imwong M, Pukrittayakamee S, Dondorp AM, Day NPJ, Teixeira MM, Piyaphanee W, Phumratanaprapin W, White NJ. Antiviral efficacy of molnupiravir versus ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir in patients with early symptomatic COVID-19 (PLATCOV): an open-label, phase 2, randomised, controlled, adaptive trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:36-45. [PMID: 37778363 PMCID: PMC7615401 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molnupiravir and ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir are the two leading oral COVID-19 antiviral treatments, but their antiviral activities in patients have not been compared directly. The aim of this ongoing platform trial is to compare different antiviral treatments using the rate of viral clearance as the measure of antiviral effect. METHODS PLATCOV is an open-label, multicentre, phase 2, randomised, controlled, adaptive pharmacometric platform trial running in Thailand, Brazil, Pakistan, and Laos. The component of the trial reported here was conducted in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. We recruited low-risk adult patients aged 18-50 years with early symptomatic COVID-19 (<4 days of symptoms). Eligible patients were randomly assigned using block randomisation via a centralised web app to one of seven treatment groups: molnupiravir, ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, casirivimab-imdevimab, tixagevimab-cilgavimab, favipiravir, fluoxetine, or no study drug. The no study drug group comprised a minimum proportion of 20% of patients at all times, with uniform randomisation ratios applied across the active treatment groups. Results for the concurrently randomised molnupiravir, ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, and no study drug groups are reported here. The primary endpoint was the rate of oropharyngeal viral clearance assessed in a modified intention-to-treat population, defined as patients with more than 2 days of follow-up. Safety was assessed in all participants who took at least one dose of the medication. The viral clearance rate was derived under a Bayesian hierarchical linear model fitted to the log10 viral densities in standardised duplicate oropharyngeal swab eluates taken daily over 1 week (18 measurements). Treatment groups with a probability of more than 0·9 that viral clearance was accelerated by more than 20% compared with no drug entered a non-inferiority comparison (with a 10% non-inferiority margin) compared with the platform's current most effective drug. This ongoing trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05041907. FINDINGS Between June 6, 2022, and Feb 23, 2023, 209 patients in Thailand were enrolled and concurrently randomly assigned to molnupiravir (n=65), ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (n=59), or no study drug (n=85). 129 (62%) of the patients were female and 80 (38%) were male. Relative to the no study drug group, the rates of viral clearance were 37% (95% credible interval 16-65) faster with molnupiravir and 84% (54-119) faster with ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir. In the non-inferiority comparison, viral clearance was 25% (10-38) slower with molnupiravir than ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir. Molnupiravir was removed from the study platform when it reached the prespecified inferiority margin of 10% compared with ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir. Median estimated viral clearance half-lives were 8·5 h (IQR 6·7-10·1) with ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, 11·6 h (8·6-15·4) with molnupiravir, and 15·5 h (11·9-21·2) with no study drug. Viral rebound occurred more frequently following nirmatrelvir (six [10%] of 58) compared with the no study drug (one [1%] of 84; p=0·018) or the molnupiravir (one [2%] of 65; p=0·051) groups. Persistent infections following molnupiravir had more viral mutations (three of nine patients had an increased number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in samples collected at 7 or more days compared with those at baseline) than after nirmatrelvir (zero of three) or no study drug (zero of 19). There were no adverse events of grade 3 or worse, or serious adverse events in any of the reported treatment groups. INTERPRETATION Both molnupiravir and ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir accelerate oropharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance in patients with COVID-19, but the antiviral effect of ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir was substantially greater. Measurement of oropharyngeal viral clearance rates provides a rapid and well tolerated approach to the assessment and comparison of antiviral drugs in patients with COVID-19. It should be evaluated in other acute viral respiratory infections. FUNDING Wellcome Trust through the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H K Schilling
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Podjanee Jittamala
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James A Watson
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Boyd
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Viravarn Luvira
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanaya Siripoon
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thundon Ngamprasertchai
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth M Batty
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cintia Cruz
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James J Callery
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shivani Singh
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manisaree Saroj
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Varaporn Kruabkontho
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thatsanun Ngernseng
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttakan Tanglakmankhong
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaruwan Tubprasert
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wanassanan Madmanee
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jindarat Kouhathong
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokon Suwannasin
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watcharee Pagornrat
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattaporn Piaraksa
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kittiyod Poovorawan
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manus Potaporn
- Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Attasit Srisubat
- Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Bootsakorn Loharjun
- Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Walter R J Taylor
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sasithon Pukrittayakamee
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Clinical Research Unit, Center for Advanced and Innovative Therapies, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belp Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Watcharapong Piyaphanee
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Weerapong Phumratanaprapin
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cheung YYH, Lau EHY, Yin G, Lin Y, Cowling BJ, Lam KF. Effectiveness of Vaccines and Antiviral Drugs in Preventing Severe and Fatal COVID-19, Hong Kong. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:70-78. [PMID: 38040664 PMCID: PMC10756371 DOI: 10.3201/eid3001.230414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We compared the effectiveness and interactions of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and 2 vaccines, CoronaVac and Comirnaty, in a large population of inpatients with COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Both the oral antiviral drugs and vaccines were associated with lower risks for all-cause mortality and progression to serious/critical/fatal conditions (study outcomes). No significant interaction effects were observed between the antiviral drugs and vaccinations; their joint effects were additive. If antiviral drugs were prescribed within 5 days of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, usage was associated with lower risks for the target outcomes for patients >60, but not <60, years of age; no significant clinical benefit was found if prescribed beyond 5 days. Among patients >80 years of age, 3-4 doses of Comirnaty vaccine were associated with significantly lower risks for target outcomes. Policies should encourage COVID-19 vaccination, and oral antivirals should be made accessible to infected persons within 5 days of confirmed diagnosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Arman BY, Brun J, Hill ML, Zitzmann N, von Delft A. An Update on SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Trial Results-What We Can Learn for the Next Pandemic. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:354. [PMID: 38203525 PMCID: PMC10779148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed over 7 million lives worldwide, providing a stark reminder of the importance of pandemic preparedness. Due to the lack of approved antiviral drugs effective against coronaviruses at the start of the pandemic, the world largely relied on repurposed efforts. Here, we summarise results from randomised controlled trials to date, as well as selected in vitro data of directly acting antivirals, host-targeting antivirals, and immunomodulatory drugs. Overall, repurposing efforts evaluating directly acting antivirals targeting other viral families were largely unsuccessful, whereas several immunomodulatory drugs led to clinical improvement in hospitalised patients with severe disease. In addition, accelerated drug discovery efforts during the pandemic progressed to multiple novel directly acting antivirals with clinical efficacy, including small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. We argue that large-scale investment is required to prepare for future pandemics; both to develop an arsenal of broad-spectrum antivirals beyond coronaviruses and build worldwide clinical trial networks that can be rapidly utilised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benediktus Yohan Arman
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Unit, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; (J.B.); (N.Z.)
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Juliane Brun
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Unit, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; (J.B.); (N.Z.)
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Michelle L. Hill
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK;
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Unit, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; (J.B.); (N.Z.)
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Annette von Delft
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Centre for Medicine Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu Z, Flensburg C, Bilardi RA, Majewski IJ. Uridine-cytidine kinase 2 potentiates the mutagenic influence of the antiviral β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12031-12042. [PMID: 37953355 PMCID: PMC10711452 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) is an antiviral that received approval for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection. Treatment of bacteria or cell lines with the active form of molnupiravir, β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC, or EIDD-1931), induces mutations in DNA. Yet these results contrast in vivo genotoxicity studies conducted during registration of the drug. Using a CRISPR screen, we found that inactivating the pyrimidine salvage pathway component uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (Uck2) renders cells more tolerant of NHC. Short-term exposure to NHC increased the mutation rate in a mouse myeloid cell line, with most mutations being T:A to C:G transitions. Inactivating Uck2 impaired the mutagenic activity of NHC, whereas over-expression of Uck2 enhanced mutagenesis. UCK2 is upregulated in many cancers and cell lines. Our results suggest differences in ribonucleoside metabolism contribute to the variable mutagenicity of NHC observed in cancer cell lines and primary tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Christoffer Flensburg
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca A Bilardi
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Ian J Majewski
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, 1G Royal Parade, VIC3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Strizki JM, Grobler JA, Murgolo N, Fridman A, Johnson MG, Du J, Carmelitano P, Brown ML, Paschke A, De Anda C. Virologic Outcomes with Molnupiravir in Non-hospitalized Adult Patients with COVID-19 from the Randomized, Placebo-Controlled MOVe-OUT Trial. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2725-2743. [PMID: 37995070 PMCID: PMC10746688 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00891-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind MOVe-OUT trial demonstrated molnupiravir (800 mg every 12 h for 5 days) as safe and effective for outpatient treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalization/death in high-risk adults. At the time of that report, virologic assessments from the trial were partially incomplete as a result of their time-intensive nature. Here we present final results from all prespecified virology endpoints in MOVe-OUT based on the full trial dataset. METHODS Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected at baseline (day 1, prior to first dose) and days 3, 5 (end-of-treatment visit), 10, 15, and 29. From these samples, change from baseline in SARS-CoV-2 RNA titers (determined by quantitative PCR), detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 (by plaque assay), and SARS-CoV-2 viral error induction (determined by whole genome next-generation sequencing) were assessed as exploratory endpoints. RESULTS Molnupiravir was associated with greater mean reductions from baseline in SARS-CoV-2 RNA than placebo (including 50% relative reduction at end-of-treatment) through day 10. Among participants with infectious virus detected at baseline (n = 96 molnupiravir, n = 97 placebo) and evaluable post-baseline samples, no molnupiravir-treated participant had infectious SARS-CoV-2 by day 3, whereas infectious virus was recovered from 21% of placebo-arm participants on day 3 and 2% at end-of-treatment. Consistent with molnupiravir's mechanism of action, sequence analysis demonstrated that molnupiravir was associated with an increased number of low-frequency transition errors randomly distributed across the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome compared with placebo (median 143.5 molnupiravir, 15 placebo), while transversion errors were infrequent overall (median 2 in both arms). Outcomes were consistent regardless of baseline SARS-CoV-2 clade, presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response, or viral load. CONCLUSIONS A 5-day course of orally administered molnupiravir demonstrated a consistently greater virologic effect than placebo, including rapidly eliminating infectious SARS-CoV-2, in high-risk outpatients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04575597.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay A Grobler
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | | | - Arthur Fridman
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | | | - Jiejun Du
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | | | | | - Amanda Paschke
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Carisa De Anda
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Paykan Heyrati M, Ghorbanali Z, Akbari M, Pishgahi G, Zare-Mirakabad F. BioAct-Het: A Heterogeneous Siamese Neural Network for Bioactivity Prediction Using Novel Bioactivity Representation. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:44757-44772. [PMID: 38046344 PMCID: PMC10688196 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Drug failure during experimental procedures due to low bioactivity presents a significant challenge. To mitigate this risk and enhance compound bioactivities, predicting bioactivity classes during lead optimization is essential. The existing studies on structure-activity relationships have highlighted the connection between the chemical structures of compounds and their bioactivity. However, these studies often overlook the intricate relationship between drugs and bioactivity, which encompasses multiple factors beyond the chemical structure alone. To address this issue, we propose the BioAct-Het model, employing a heterogeneous siamese neural network to model the complex relationship between drugs and bioactivity classes, bringing them into a unified latent space. In particular, we introduce a novel representation for the bioactivity classes, called Bio-Prof, and enhance the original bioactivity data sets to tackle data scarcity. These innovative approaches resulted in our model outperforming the previous ones. The evaluation of BioAct-Het is conducted through three distinct strategies: association-based, bioactivity class-based, and compound-based. The association-based strategy utilizes supervised learning classification, while the bioactivity class-based strategy adopts a retrospective study evaluation approach. On the other hand, the compound-based strategy demonstrates similarities to the concept of meta-learning. Furthermore, the model's effectiveness in addressing real-world problems is analyzed through a case study on the application of vancomycin and oseltamivir for COVID-19 treatment as well as molnupiravir's potential efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients. The data and code underlying this article are available on https://github.com/CBRC-lab/BioAct-Het. However, data sets were derived from sources in the public domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Paykan Heyrati
- Computational
Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer
Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghorbanali
- Computational
Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer
Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Mohammad Akbari
- Computational
Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer
Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Ghasem Pishgahi
- Students’
Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zare-Mirakabad
- Computational
Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer
Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Comunale BA, Larson RJ, Jackson-Ward E, Singh A, Koback FL, Engineer LD. The Functional Implications of Broad Spectrum Bioactive Compounds Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2023; 15:2316. [PMID: 38140557 PMCID: PMC10747147 DOI: 10.3390/v15122316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As long as COVID-19 endures, viral surface proteins will keep changing and new viral strains will emerge, rendering prior vaccines and treatments decreasingly effective. To provide durable targets for preventive and therapeutic agents, there is increasing interest in slowly mutating viral proteins, including non-surface proteins like RdRp. METHODS A scoping review of studies was conducted describing RdRp in the context of COVID-19 through MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE. An iterative approach was used with input from content experts and three independent reviewers, focused on studies related to either RdRp activity inhibition or RdRp mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Of the 205 records screened, 43 studies were included in the review. Twenty-five evaluated RdRp activity inhibition, and eighteen described RdRp mechanisms of existing drugs or compounds against SARS-CoV-2. In silico experiments suggested that RdRp inhibitors developed for other RNA viruses may be effective in disrupting SARS-CoV-2 replication, indicating a possible reduction of disease progression from current and future variants. In vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trial studies were largely consistent with these findings. CONCLUSIONS Future risk mitigation and treatment strategies against forthcoming SARS-CoV-2 variants should consider targeting RdRp proteins instead of surface proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Comunale
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robin J. Larson
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Erin Jackson-Ward
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Lilly D. Engineer
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu Y, Fan S, Xu A, Ge L, Wang X, Dong X, Xu M, Fan W, Zhong W, Liang X. Efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in patients with Omicron variant vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 infection: a randomized, controlled trial. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1197671. [PMID: 38034986 PMCID: PMC10687146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1197671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Randomized, controlled trials of molnupiravir in real-world use during the Omicron wave are scarce. The frequency of hospitalization and death is low, so further research is needed to confirm the virological efficacy of molnupiravir. Methods: A single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted, and 111 hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1. Fifty-three patients in the molnupiravir group were administered 800 mg of molnupiravir twice daily for 5 days in addition to the standard therapy, and 58 patients in the control group only received the standard therapy in accordance with local guidelines. The antiviral effect and adverse events were evaluated during the follow-up. Results: The median viral clearance time in the molnupiravir group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (p = 0.003). Furthermore, patients who started molnupiravir therapy within 3 days had significantly shorter viral clearance time than the controls (p = 0.003). In the vaccinated subgroup, molnupiravir therapy was also associated with a shorter viral clearance time (p = 0.003). A total of three adverse events, which were minor, were reported in the molnupiravir group. One of the patients had mild liver function abnormalities, and all of them were resolved without intervention. However, the remission time was similar between the two tested groups. Conclusion: Molnupiravir exhibited good viral replication inhibitor efficacy in patients with Omicron variant vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 infection. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200059796].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Aijing Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxiao Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhan Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wu Zhong
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuesong Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen Z, Tian F. Evaluation of oral small molecule drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ann Med 2023; 55:2274511. [PMID: 37967171 PMCID: PMC10768866 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2274511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At present, there are some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oral small molecule drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral small molecule drug treatment for COVID-19. METHODS RCTs were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through 1 April 2023. A total of nine RCTs were included, including 30,970 COVID-19 patients comparing five treatments (azvudine, molnupiravir, paxlovid, VV116, and placebo). The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB) was used to assess the bias risk of the included studies. The direct and indirect evidence were combined using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (PROSPERO Code No: CRD42023397837). RESULTS Direct analysis showed that paxlovid was associated with a reduced risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.25) and hospitalization (OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00-0.67) compared with placebo. Network meta-analysis showed that paxlovid had the highest probability of being the best management strategy in patients with COVID-19, reducing mortality (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01-1.99; surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]: 0.77) and hospitalization (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.00-1.03; SUCRA: 0.95). For prespecified safety outcomes, SUCRA values ranked VV116 (OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00-2.07: SUCRA 0.86) as the most beneficial intervention for the prevention of serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS When compared to other antiviral medications, paxlovid can reduce the mortality and hospitalization of COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyuan Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sanderson T, Hisner R, Donovan-Banfield I, Hartman H, Løchen A, Peacock TP, Ruis C. A molnupiravir-associated mutational signature in global SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Nature 2023; 623:594-600. [PMID: 37748513 PMCID: PMC10651478 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Molnupiravir, an antiviral medication widely used against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), acts by inducing mutations in the virus genome during replication. Most random mutations are likely to be deleterious to the virus and many will be lethal; thus, molnupiravir-induced elevated mutation rates reduce viral load1,2. However, if some patients treated with molnupiravir do not fully clear the SARS-CoV-2 infections, there could be the potential for onward transmission of molnupiravir-mutated viruses. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 sequencing databases contain extensive evidence of molnupiravir mutagenesis. Using a systematic approach, we find that a specific class of long phylogenetic branches, distinguished by a high proportion of G-to-A and C-to-T mutations, are found almost exclusively in sequences from 2022, after the introduction of molnupiravir treatment, and in countries and age groups with widespread use of the drug. We identify a mutational spectrum, with preferred nucleotide contexts, from viruses in patients known to have been treated with molnupiravir and show that its signature matches that seen in these long branches, in some cases with onward transmission of molnupiravir-derived lineages. Finally, we analyse treatment records to confirm a direct association between these high G-to-A branches and the use of molnupiravir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Hisner
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - I'ah Donovan-Banfield
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas P Peacock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK
| | - Christopher Ruis
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council-Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Villamarín M, Len O. SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients: Experience with molnupiravir. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2023; 36 Suppl 1:22-24. [PMID: 37997866 PMCID: PMC10793546 DOI: 10.37201/req/s01.06.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) constitute one of the groups at highest risk for the development of severe COVID-19. However, evidence on the effectiveness of treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection in this group of patients is scarce. Molnupiravir is an orally administered antiviral drug that has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in high-risk outpatients, mainly in the unvaccinated population. Although its effectiveness is lower than that of other antivirals, on many occasions it is the only therapeutic option in transplant recipients given the absence of pharmacological interactions with immunosuppressive treatment, the oral route of administration and the good safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - O Len
- Oscar Len, Department of Infectious Diseases. Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron. Barcelona. Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liang Y, Ma L, Wang Y, Zheng J, Su L, Lyu J. Adverse events associated with molnupiravir: a real-world disproportionality analysis in food and drug administration adverse event reporting system. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1253799. [PMID: 38026949 PMCID: PMC10644225 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1253799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir, an urgently approved drug during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, serves as the basis for our study, which relies on the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The objective is to extract adverse event (AE) signals associated with molnupiravir from the FAERS database, thereby providing a reference for post-marketing monitoring of adverse events. Specifically, we extracted individual case safety reports (ICSRs) from the database, focusing on cases with COVID-19 indications and molnupiravir identified as the primary suspect drug. Descriptive analysis of the extracted data was performed, followed by four disproportionality analyses using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) method. These analyses were conducted across four levels, encompassing overall data, reports by health professionals, as well as age and gender differentiations, ensuring the robustness of the analysis results. In total, 116,576 ICSRs with COVID-19 indications and 2,285 ICSRs with molnupiravir as the primary suspect were extracted. Notably, after excluding cases with unknown age or gender, a higher proportion of molnupiravir-related ICSRs were observed among individuals aged 65 years and older (70.07%) and women (54.06%). The most frequently reported adverse events and AE signals were associated with gastrointestinal disorders, as well as skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Moreover, individuals aged 65 years and older exhibited a higher risk of cardiac disorders, hepatobiliary disorders, renal and urinary disorders, and vascular disorders. In conclusion, this study found molnupiravir demonstrated a lower risk of serious adverse events compared to other RNA antiviral drugs like remdesivir in patients under 65 years old. However, close monitoring of its safety is still necessary for elderly patients aged 65 years and above. Further studies are warranted to continuously assess the safety profile of molnupiravir as its usage increases, especially in high risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Liang
- Department of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingping Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Lyu
- Department of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Butt AA, Yan P, Shaikh OS, Omer SB, Mayr FB, Talisa VB. Molnupiravir Use and 30-Day Hospitalizations or Death in a Previously Uninfected Nonhospitalized High-risk Population With COVID-19. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1033-1041. [PMID: 37260359 PMCID: PMC10582917 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical benefit of molnupiravir (MPV) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected subpopulations is unclear. METHODS We used a matched cohort study design to determine the rate of hospitalization or death within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis among MPV treated and untreated controls. Participants were nonhospitalized, previously uninfected Veterans with a first confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection between 1 January and 31 August 2022, who were prescribed MPV within 3 days of COVID-19 diagnosis, and matched individuals who were not prescribed MPV. RESULTS Among 1459 matched pairs, the incidence of hospitalization/death was not different among MPV treated versus untreated controls (48 vs 44 cases; absolute risk difference [ARD], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], -.94 to 1.49). No benefit was observed among those >60 or ≤60 years old (ARD, 0.27; 95% CI, -1.25 to 1.79 vs ARD, -0.29; 95% CI, -1.22 to 1.80), those with specific comorbidities, or by vaccination status. A significant benefit was observed in asymptomatic but not in symptomatic persons (ARD, -2.80; 95% CI, -4.74 to -.87 vs ARD, 1.12; 95% CI -.31 to 2.55). Kaplan-Meier curves did not show a difference in proportion of persons who were hospitalized or died among MPV treated compared with untreated controls (logrank P = .7). CONCLUSIONS MPV was not associated with a reduction in hospitalization or death within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. A subgroup of patients presenting without symptoms experienced a benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peng Yan
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Obaid S Shaikh
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saad B Omer
- Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Florian B Mayr
- Clinical Research, Investigation, and Systems Modeling of Acute Illness Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victor B Talisa
- Clinical Research, Investigation, and Systems Modeling of Acute Illness Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Salmanton-García J, Marchesi F, Koehler P, Weinbergerová B, Čolović N, Falces-Romero I, Buquicchio C, Farina F, van Praet J, Biernat MM, Itri F, Prezioso L, Tascini C, Vena A, Romano A, Delia M, Dávila-Valls J, Martín-Pérez S, Lavilla-Rubira E, Adžić-Vukičević T, García-Bordallo D, López-García A, Criscuolo M, Petzer V, Fracchiolla NS, Espigado I, Sili U, Meers S, Erben N, Cattaneo C, Tragiannidis A, Gavriilaki E, Schönlein M, Mitrovic M, Pantic N, Merelli M, Labrador J, Hernández-Rivas JÁ, Glenthøj A, Fouquet G, Del Principe MI, Dargenio M, Calbacho M, Besson C, Kohn M, Gräfe S, Hersby DS, Arellano E, Çolak GM, Wolf D, Marchetti M, Nordlander A, Blennow O, Cordoba R, Mišković B, Mladenović M, Bavastro M, Limongelli A, Rahimli L, Pagano L, Cornely OA. Molnupiravir compared to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for COVID-19 in high-risk patients with haematological malignancy in Europe. A matched-paired analysis from the EPICOVIDEHA registry. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:106952. [PMID: 37582478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir are antivirals used to prevent progression to severe SARS-CoV-2 infections and decrease hospitalisation and mortality rates. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was authorised in Europe in December 2021, whereas molnupiravir is not yet licensed in Europe as of February 2022. Molnupiravir may be an alternative to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir because it is associated with fewer drug-drug interactions and contraindications. A caveat for molnupiravir is the mode of action induces viral mutations. Mortality rate reduction with molnupiravir was less pronounced than that with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in patients without haematological malignancy. Little is known about the comparative efficacy of the two drugs in patients with haematological malignancy at high-risk of severe COVID-19. Thus, molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were compared in a cohort of patients with haematological malignancies. METHODS Clinical data from patients treated with molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir monotherapy for COVID-19 were retrieved from the EPICOVIDEHA registry. Patients treated with molnupiravir were matched by sex, age (±10 years), and severity of baseline haematological malignancy to controls treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. RESULTS A total of 116 patients receiving molnupiravir for the clinical management of COVID-19 were matched to an equal number of controls receiving nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. In each of the groups, 68 (59%) patients were male; with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range [IQR] 53-74) for molnupiravir recipients and 64 years (IQR 54-73) for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir recipients; 56.9% (n=66) of the patients had controlled baseline haematological malignancy, 12.9% (n=15) had stable disease, and 30.2% (n=35) had active disease at COVID-19 onset in each group. During COVID-19 infection, one third of patients from each group were admitted to hospital. Although a similar proportion of patients in the two groups were vaccinated (molnupiravir n=77, 66% vs. nirmatrelvir/ritonavir n=87, 75%), more of those treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir had received four vaccine doses (n=27, 23%) compared with those treated with molnupiravir (n=5, 4%) (P<0.001). No differences were detected in COVID-19 severity (P=0.39) or hospitalisation (P=1.0). No statistically significant differences were identified in overall mortality rate (P=0.78) or survival probability (d30 P=0.19, d60 P=0.67, d90 P=0.68, last day of follow up P=0.68). Deaths were either attributed to COVID-19, or the infection was judged by the treating physician to have contributed to death. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalisation and mortality rates with molnupiravir were comparable to those with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in high-risk patients with haematological malignancies and COVID-19. Molnupiravir is a plausible alternative to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for COVID-19 treatment in patients with haematological malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Salmanton-García
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Francesco Marchesi
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Philipp Koehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbora Weinbergerová
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, Masaryk University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natasa Čolović
- University Clinical Center Serbia, Medical Faculty University Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iker Falces-Romero
- La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Jens van Praet
- Department of Nephrology and Infectious diseases, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Brugge, Belgium
| | - Monika M Biernat
- Department of Haematology, Blood Neoplasms, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Federico Itri
- San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital - Orbassano, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Lucia Prezioso
- Hospital University of Parma - Hematology and Bone Marrow Unit, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Tascini
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Delia
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alberto López-García
- Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Health Research Institute IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana Criscuolo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Verena Petzer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Ildefonso Espigado
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena - University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS / CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla (Departamento de Medicina), Seville, Spain
| | - Uluhan Sili
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Nurettin Erben
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Martin Schönlein
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mirjana Mitrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Pantic
- Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maria Merelli
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Jorge Labrador
- Department of Hematology, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, Spain
| | - José-Ángel Hernández-Rivas
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain; Departmento de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreas Glenthøj
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Besson
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, Équipe "Exposome et Hérédité", CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Milena Kohn
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, Équipe "Exposome et Hérédité", CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Stefanie Gräfe
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany; I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ditte Stampe Hersby
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elena Arellano
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena - University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS / CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla (Departamento de Medicina), Seville, Spain
| | - Gökçe Melis Çolak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Monia Marchetti
- Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Anna Nordlander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Blennow
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raul Cordoba
- Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Health Research Institute IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bojana Mišković
- Center of Radiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Mladenović
- University Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Alessandro Limongelli
- University Clinical Center Serbia, Medical Faculty University Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Laman Rahimli
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Livio Pagano
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Hematology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun M, Lai H, Huang J, Liu J, Li Y, Tian J, Zhang C, Estill J, Zhang Z, Ge L. Molnupiravir for the treatment of non-severe COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials with 34 570 patients. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023; 78:2131-2139. [PMID: 37437106 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molnupiravir has been considered a promising candidate for COVID-19. Its efficacy and safety in non-severe COVID-19 patients and the differences between patients with different risk factors need further evaluation. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that allocated adult patients with non-severe COVID-19 to molnupiravir or a control. We used random-effects models, and conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression for COVID-19 patients with high-risk factors. The GRADE approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS Fourteen trials with 34 570 patients were included. Moderate- to low-certainty evidence showed that molnupiravir was associated with a reduction in the risk of hospitalization (relative risk [RR] = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47-0.85), risk of mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19-0.72) and time to symptom resolution (mean differences [MD] = -2.91 days, 95% CI: -3.66 to -2.16). However, no significant differences were found in adverse events, all-cause mortality, rate of and time to viral clearance, or duration of hospitalization. For the rate of viral clearance, subgroup effects were found between trials with low and high risk of bias (P = 0.001) and between trials with male or female majority (P < 0.001). For admission to hospital, subgroup effects were also found between trials with ≥50% and <50% of the participants being female (P = 0.04). Meta-regression showed a significant association between higher trial mean age and elevated risk of hospitalization (P = 0.011), and female majority and elevated risk of hospitalization (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Molnupiravir was found to be effective in non-severe COVID-19, but the efficacy varied with age and sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyao Sun
- Evidence-Based Nursing Center, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Honghao Lai
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jiajie Huang
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianing Liu
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ying Li
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinhui Tian
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Janne Estill
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- Evidence-Based Nursing Center, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Ge
- Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sha A, Liu Y, Hao H. Current state-of-the-art and potential future therapeutic drugs against COVID-19. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1238027. [PMID: 37691829 PMCID: PMC10485263 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1238027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to endanger human health, and its therapeutic drugs are under intensive research and development. Identifying the efficacy and toxicity of drugs in animal models is helpful for further screening of effective medications, which is also a prerequisite for drugs to enter clinical trials. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades host cells mainly by the S protein on its surface. After the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is injected into the cells, M protein will help assemble and release new viruses. RdRp is crucial for virus replication, assembly, and release of new virus particles. This review analyzes and discusses 26 anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs based on their mechanism of action, effectiveness and safety in different animal models. We propose five drugs to be the most promising to enter the next stage of clinical trial research, thus providing a reference for future drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailong Sha
- School of Teacher Education, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Hao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ojha D, Hill CS, Zhou S, Evans AB, Leung JM, Lewis CS, Amblard F, Schinazi RF, Baric RS, Peterson KE, Swanstrom R. N4 -Hydroxycytidine/Molnupiravir Inhibits RNA-Virus Induced Encephalitis by Producing Mutated Viruses with Reduced Fitness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.22.554316. [PMID: 37662274 PMCID: PMC10473592 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
A diverse group of RNA viruses including Rabies, Polio, La Crosse, West Nile, Zika, Nipah, Eastern and Western equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses have the ability to gain access to and replicate in the central nervous system (CNS), causing severe neurological disease. Current treatment for these patients is generally limited to supportive care. To address the need for a generalizable antiviral, we utilized a strategy of mutagenesis to limit virus replication. We evaluated ribavirin (RBV), favipiravir (FAV) and N 4 -hydroxycytidine (NHC) against La Crosse virus (LACV) which is the primary cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis cases in North America. NHC was more potent than RBV or FAV in neuronal cells. Oral administration of molnupiravir (MOV), the 5'-isobutyryl prodrug of NHC, decreased neurological disease development by 32% following intraperitoneal (IP) infection of LACV. MOV also reduced disease by 23% when virus was administered intranasally (IN). NHC and MOV produced less fit viruses by incorporating predominantly G-to-A or C-to-U mutations. Furthermore, NHC also inhibited two other orthobunyaviruses, Jamestown Canyon virus and Cache Valley virus. Collectively, these studies indicate that NHC/MOV has therapeutic potential to inhibit virus replication and subsequent neurological disease caused by this neurotropic RNA virus.
Collapse
|
28
|
Huang PY, Liu TH, Wu JY, Tsai YW, Lai CC. Response to the letter to the editor on "Clinical efficacy and safety of molnupiravir for nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials". J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28918. [PMID: 37403688 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yu Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Hui Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jheng-Yan Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Tsai
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Huang C. Comment on Huang PS et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of molnupiravir for nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Med Virol. 2023; 95: e28621. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28907. [PMID: 37417333 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chienhsiu Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Candel FJ, Barreiro P, Salavert M, Cabello A, Fernández-Ruiz M, Pérez-Segura P, San Román J, Berenguer J, Córdoba R, Delgado R, España PP, Gómez-Centurión IA, González Del Castillo JM, Heili SB, Martínez-Peromingo FJ, Menéndez R, Moreno S, Pablos JL, Pasquau J, Piñana JL, On Behalf Of The Modus Investigators Adenda. Expert Consensus: Main Risk Factors for Poor Prognosis in COVID-19 and the Implications for Targeted Measures against SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:1449. [PMID: 37515137 PMCID: PMC10383267 DOI: 10.3390/v15071449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical evolution of patients infected with the Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on the complex interplay between viral and host factors. The evolution to less aggressive but better-transmitted viral variants, and the presence of immune memory responses in a growing number of vaccinated and/or virus-exposed individuals, has caused the pandemic to slowly wane in virulence. However, there are still patients with risk factors or comorbidities that put them at risk of poor outcomes in the event of having the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). Among the different treatment options for patients with COVID-19, virus-targeted measures include antiviral drugs or monoclonal antibodies that may be provided in the early days of infection. The present expert consensus is based on a review of all the literature published between 1 July 2021 and 15 February 2022 that was carried out to establish the characteristics of patients, in terms of presence of risk factors or comorbidities, that may make them candidates for receiving any of the virus-targeted measures available in order to prevent a fatal outcome, such as severe disease or death. A total of 119 studies were included from the review of the literature and 159 were from the additional independent review carried out by the panelists a posteriori. Conditions found related to strong recommendation of the use of virus-targeted measures in the first days of COVID-19 were age above 80 years, or above 65 years with another risk factor; antineoplastic chemotherapy or active malignancy; HIV infection with CD4+ cell counts < 200/mm3; and treatment with anti-CD20 immunosuppressive drugs. There is also a strong recommendation against using the studied interventions in HIV-infected patients with a CD4+ nadir <200/mm3 or treatment with other immunosuppressants. Indications of therapies against SARS-CoV-2, regardless of vaccination status or history of infection, may still exist for some populations, even after COVID-19 has been declared to no longer be a global health emergency by the WHO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Candel
- Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Transplant Coordination, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- Regional Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario La Paz, 28055 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Specialities and Public Health, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alfonso Cabello
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Fernández-Ruiz
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre", Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Segura
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús San Román
- Department of Medical Specialities and Public Health, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Córdoba
- Haematology and Haemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Delgado
- Clinical Microbiology, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre", Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Pablo España
- Pneumology, Hospital Universitario de Galdakao-Usansolo, 48960 Vizcaya, Spain
| | | | | | - Sarah Béatrice Heili
- Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Martínez-Peromingo
- Department of Medical Specialities and Public Health, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Geriatrics, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Menéndez
- Pneumology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Moreno
- Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luís Pablos
- Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre", Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pasquau
- Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - José Luis Piñana
- Haematology and Haemotherapy, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Karim M, Lo CW, Einav S. Preparing for the next viral threat with broad-spectrum antivirals. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170236. [PMID: 37259914 PMCID: PMC10232003 DOI: 10.1172/jci170236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a large global unmet need for the development of countermeasures to combat hundreds of viruses known to cause human disease and for the establishment of a therapeutic portfolio for future pandemic preparedness. Most approved antiviral therapeutics target proteins encoded by a single virus, providing a narrow spectrum of coverage. This, combined with the slow pace and high cost of drug development, limits the scalability of this direct-acting antiviral (DAA) approach. Here, we summarize progress and challenges in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals that target either viral elements (proteins, genome structures, and lipid envelopes) or cellular proviral factors co-opted by multiple viruses via newly discovered compounds or repurposing of approved drugs. These strategies offer new means for developing therapeutics against both existing and emerging viral threats that complement DAAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Karim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Chieh-Wen Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Shirit Einav
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Amani B, Akbarzadeh A, Amani B, Shabestan R, Khorramnia S, Navidi Z, Rajabkhah K, Kardanmoghadam V. Comparative efficacy and safety of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28889. [PMID: 37368841 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) with molnupiravir in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To end this, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, medRxiv, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to collect relevant evidence up to February 15, 2023. The risk of bias was evaluated using the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions tool. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Eighteen studies involving 57 659 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in terms of all-cause mortality rate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.67), all-cause hospitalization rate (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54-0.69), death or hospitalization rate (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38-0.99), and negative polymerase chain reaction conversion time (mean difference = -1.55, 95% CI: -1.74 to -1.37). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of COVID-19 rebound (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.71-1.07). In terms of safety, although the incidence of any adverse events was higher in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.57-4.06), no significant difference was observed between the two treatments in terms of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.69-2.00). The present meta-analysis demonstrated the significant superiority of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir over molnupiravir in improving clinical efficacy in COVID-19 patients during the prevalence of Omicron variant. These findings, however, need to be further confirmed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Amani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Arash Akbarzadeh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam Amani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Rouhollah Shabestan
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khorramnia
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Zia Navidi
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Kourosh Rajabkhah
- Department of Curative Affairs, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Kardanmoghadam
- Research Department, Deputy of Research and Technology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cowman K, Miller A, Guo Y, Chang MH, McSweeney T, Bao H, Simpson R, Braithwaite C, Sunu E, Ros T, Rodriguez M, Laboy E, Bard L, Alsina L, Cintron A, Andrews E, Nori P. Non-randomized evaluation of hospitalization after a prescription for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir versus molnupiravir in high-risk COVID-19 outpatients. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023:7179860. [PMID: 37229547 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess and compare subsequent hospital admissions within 30 days for patients after receiving a prescription for either oral nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or oral molnupiravir. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 3207 high-risk, non-hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients who received a prescription for molnupiravir (n = 209) or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n = 2998) at an academic medical centre in New York City from April to December 2022. Variables including age, vaccination status, high-risk conditions and demographic factors were pulled from the electronic medical record. We used multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounding variables. RESULTS All-cause 30 day hospitalization was not significantly different between patients who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir compared with molnupiravir (1.4% versus 1.9%, P value = 0.55). The association between COVID-related hospitalization and medication was also not significant (0.7%versus 0.5%, P value = 0.99). Patients who received molnupiravir were more likely to have more underlying high-risk conditions. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of all-cause hospitalizations were not significantly different between patients who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir compared with molnupiravir (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.4-3.3, P value = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS These data provide additional evidence to support molnupiravir as a suitable alternative when other COVID-19 antivirals cannot be given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie Cowman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Network Performance Group, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Miller
- Department of Pharmacy, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mei H Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Terrence McSweeney
- Department of Pharmacy, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hongkai Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Roxanne Simpson
- Department of Nursing, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Evans Sunu
- Department of Nursing, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Theary Ros
- Department of Nursing, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Rodriguez
- Department of Nursing, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eric Laboy
- Department of Nursing, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Linda Bard
- Faculty Practice Group, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Alsina
- Faculty Practice Group, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Angelica Cintron
- Faculty Practice Group, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Erin Andrews
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Priya Nori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lin JG, Huang GJ, Su YC. Efficacy analysis and research progress of complementary and alternative medicines in the adjuvant treatment of COVID-19. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:30. [PMID: 37138292 PMCID: PMC10155165 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted human lifestyles around the world, causing huge distress in terms of public health systems, emergency response capacity and economic development. The causative agent of COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with respiratory involvement, cardiovascular-related diseases, and ultimately causes multiple organ failure and death in severely affected individuals. Thus, effective prevention or early treatment of COVID-19 is critical. An effective vaccine offers a way out of the pandemic for governments, the scientific community and people worldwide, but we still lack effective drug therapies, including treatments for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This had led to a high global demand for many complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Moreover, many healthcare providers are now requesting information about CAMs that prevent, relieve, or treat the symptoms of COVID-19 and even alleviate vaccine-related side effects. Experts and scholars must therefore become familiar with the use of CAMs in COVID-19, current research directions and effectiveness of CAMs for COVID-19. This narrative review updates the current status and research worldwide on the use of CAMs for COVID-19. The review provides reliable evidence on theoretical viewpoints and therapeutic efficacies of CAM combinations, and evidence in support of the therapeutic strategy of Taiwan Chingguan Erhau (NRICM102) against moderate-to-severe novel coronavirus infectious disease in Taiwan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng Road, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chang Su
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.155-1, Section 2, Linong Street, Beitou District, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shoham S, Batista C, Ben Amor Y, Ergonul O, Hassanain M, Hotez P, Kang G, Kim JH, Lall B, Larson HJ, Naniche D, Sheahan T, Strub-Wourgaft N, Sow SO, Wilder-Smith A, Yadav P, Bottazzi ME. Vaccines and therapeutics for immunocompromised patients with COVID-19. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 59:101965. [PMID: 37070102 PMCID: PMC10091856 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted immunocompromised patients. This diverse group is at increased risk for impaired vaccine responses, progression to severe disease, prolonged hospitalizations and deaths. At particular risk are people with deficiencies in lymphocyte number or function such as transplant recipients and those with hematologic malignancies. Such patients' immune responses to vaccination and infection are frequently impaired leaving them more vulnerable to prolonged high viral loads and severe complications of COVID-19. Those in turn, have implications for disease progression and persistence, development of immune escape variants and transmission of infection. Data to guide vaccination and treatment approaches in immunocompromised people are generally lacking and extrapolated from other populations. The large clinical trials leading to authorisation and approval of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and therapeutics included very few immunocompromised participants. While experience is accumulating, studies focused on the special circumstances of immunocompromised patients are needed to inform prevention and treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shmuel Shoham
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolina Batista
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Baraka Impact Finance, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yanis Ben Amor
- Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Onder Ergonul
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mazen Hassanain
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jerome H Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bhavna Lall
- University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heidi J Larson
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Denise Naniche
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Timothy Sheahan
- University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samba O Sow
- Center for Vaccine Development, Bamako, Mali
- University of Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Annelies Wilder-Smith
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Prashant Yadav
- Center for Global Development, Washington, DC, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Technology and Operations Management, INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Prodrugs Activated by Phosphorylation and Their Role in the Aged Population. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052332. [PMID: 36903575 PMCID: PMC10004871 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has flared across every part of the globe and affected populations from different age groups differently. People aged from 40 to 80 years or older are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to develop therapeutics to decrease the risk of the disease in the aged population. Over the last few years, several prodrugs have demonstrated significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in vitro assays, animal models, and medical practice. Prodrugs are used to enhance drug delivery by improving pharmacokinetic parameters, decreasing toxicity, and attaining site specificity. This article discusses recently explored prodrugs such as remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and their implications in the aged population, as well as investigating recent clinical trials.
Collapse
|
37
|
HIV and COVID-19 Co-Infection: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Treatment. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020577. [PMID: 36851791 PMCID: PMC9962407 DOI: 10.3390/v15020577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global medical emergency with a significant socio-economic impact. People with HIV (PWH), due to the underlying immunosuppression and the particularities of HIV stigma, are considered a vulnerable population at high risk. In this review, we report what is currently known in the available literature with regards to the clinical implications of the overlap of the two epidemics. PWH share the same risk factors for severe COVID-19 as the general population (age, comorbidities), but virological and immunological status also plays an important role. Clinical presentation does not differ significantly, but there are some opportunistic infections that can mimic or co-exist with COVID-19. PWH should be prime candidates for preventative COVID-19 treatments when they are available, but in the setting of resistant strains, this might be not easy. When considering small-molecule medications, physicians need to always remember to address potential interactions with ART, and when considering immunosuppressants, they need to be aware of potential risks for opportunistic infections. COVID-19 shares similarities with HIV in how the public perceives patients-with fear of the unknown and prejudice. There are opportunities for HIV treatment hidden in COVID-19 research with the leaps gained in both monoclonal antibody and vaccine development.
Collapse
|
38
|
Molnupiravir: A Versatile Prodrug against SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020309. [PMID: 36837928 PMCID: PMC9962121 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleoside analog β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine is the active metabolite of the prodrug molnupiravir and is accepted as an efficient drug against COVID-19. Molnupiravir targets the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzyme, which is responsible for replicating the viral genome during the replication process of certain types of viruses. It works by disrupting the normal function of the RdRp enzyme, causing it to make mistakes during the replication of the viral genome. These mistakes can prevent the viral RNA from being transcribed, converted into a complementary DNA template, translated, or converted into a functional protein. By disrupting these crucial steps in the viral replication process, molnupiravir can effectively inhibit the replication of the virus and reduce its ability to cause disease. This review article sheds light on the impact of molnupiravir and its metabolite on SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, such as delta, omicron, and hybrid/recombinant variants. The detailed mechanism and molecular interactions using molecular docking and dynamics have also been covered. The safety and tolerability of molnupiravir in patients with comorbidities have also been emphasized.
Collapse
|
39
|
Standing JF, Agyeman AA. Learning and confirming in publicly funded antiviral trials. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:132-133. [PMID: 36272434 PMCID: PMC9581520 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00665-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Standing
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Department of Pharmacy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
| | - Akosua Adom Agyeman
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Butler CC, Hobbs FDR, Gbinigie OA, Rahman NM, Hayward G, Richards DB, Dorward J, Lowe DM, Standing JF, Breuer J, Khoo S, Petrou S, Hood K, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Patel MG, Saville BR, Marion J, Ogburn E, Allen J, Rutter H, Francis N, Thomas NPB, Evans P, Dobson M, Madden TA, Holmes J, Harris V, Png ME, Lown M, van Hecke O, Detry MA, Saunders CT, Fitzgerald M, Berry NS, Mwandigha L, Galal U, Mort S, Jani BD, Hart ND, Ahmed H, Butler D, McKenna M, Chalk J, Lavallee L, Hadley E, Cureton L, Benysek M, Andersson M, Coates M, Barrett S, Bateman C, Davies JC, Raymundo-Wood I, Ustianowski A, Carson-Stevens A, Yu LM, Little P. Molnupiravir plus usual care versus usual care alone as early treatment for adults with COVID-19 at increased risk of adverse outcomes (PANORAMIC): an open-label, platform-adaptive randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2023; 401:281-293. [PMID: 36566761 PMCID: PMC9779781 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02597-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 171.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of molnupiravir, an oral antiviral medication for SARS-CoV-2, has not been established in vaccinated patients in the community at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. We aimed to establish whether the addition of molnupiravir to usual care reduced hospital admissions and deaths associated with COVID-19 in this population. METHODS PANORAMIC was a UK-based, national, multicentre, open-label, multigroup, prospective, platform adaptive randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were aged 50 years or older-or aged 18 years or older with relevant comorbidities-and had been unwell with confirmed COVID-19 for 5 days or fewer in the community. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 800 mg molnupiravir twice daily for 5 days plus usual care or usual care only. A secure, web-based system (Spinnaker) was used for randomisation, which was stratified by age (<50 years vs ≥50 years) and vaccination status (yes vs no). COVID-19 outcomes were tracked via a self-completed online daily diary for 28 days after randomisation. The primary outcome was all-cause hospitalisation or death within 28 days of randomisation, which was analysed using Bayesian models in all eligible participants who were randomly assigned. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, number 30448031. FINDINGS Between Dec 8, 2021, and April 27, 2022, 26 411 participants were randomly assigned, 12 821 to molnupiravir plus usual care, 12 962 to usual care alone, and 628 to other treatment groups (which will be reported separately). 12 529 participants from the molnupiravir plus usual care group, and 12 525 from the usual care group were included in the primary analysis population. The mean age of the population was 56·6 years (SD 12·6), and 24 290 (94%) of 25 708 participants had had at least three doses of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Hospitalisations or deaths were recorded in 105 (1%) of 12 529 participants in the molnupiravir plus usual care group versus 98 (1%) of 12 525 in the usual care group (adjusted odds ratio 1·06 [95% Bayesian credible interval 0·81-1·41]; probability of superiority 0·33). There was no evidence of treatment interaction between subgroups. Serious adverse events were recorded for 50 (0·4%) of 12 774 participants in the molnupiravir plus usual care group and for 45 (0·3%) of 12 934 in the usual care group. None of these events were judged to be related to molnupiravir. INTERPRETATION Molnupiravir did not reduce the frequency of COVID-19-associated hospitalisations or death among high-risk vaccinated adults in the community. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - F D Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oghenekome A Gbinigie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Najib M Rahman
- Oxford Respiratory Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Duncan B Richards
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jienchi Dorward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - David M Lowe
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph F Standing
- Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Pharmacy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Judith Breuer
- Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Mahendra G Patel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin R Saville
- Berry Consultants, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Emma Ogburn
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Allen
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather Rutter
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicholas P B Thomas
- Windrush Medical Practice, Witney, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Network: Thames Valley and South Midlands, Oxford, UK; Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Philip Evans
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Network, Leeds, UK
| | - Melissa Dobson
- Oxford Respiratory Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jane Holmes
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria Harris
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - May Ee Png
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Lown
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver van Hecke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Lazaro Mwandigha
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ushma Galal
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sam Mort
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bhautesh D Jani
- General Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nigel D Hart
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Daniel Butler
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Micheal McKenna
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jem Chalk
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Layla Lavallee
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth Hadley
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucy Cureton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Magdalena Benysek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monique Andersson
- Department of Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Coates
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Barrett
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Clare Bateman
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer C Davies
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ivy Raymundo-Wood
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Ustianowski
- and Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Ly-Mee Yu
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang Z, Yang L, Song XQ. Oral GS-441524 derivatives: Next-generation inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1015355. [PMID: 36561747 PMCID: PMC9763260 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1015355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GS-441524, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor, is a 1'-CN-substituted adenine C-nucleoside analog with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. However, the low oral bioavailability of GS-441524 poses a challenge to its anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy. Remdesivir, the intravenously administered version (version 1.0) of GS-441524, is the first FDA-approved agent for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. However, clinical trials have presented conflicting evidence on the value of remdesivir in COVID-19. Therefore, oral GS-441524 derivatives (VV116, ATV006, and GS-621763; version 2.0, targeting highly conserved viral RdRp) could be considered as game-changers in treating COVID-19 because oral administration has the potential to maximize clinical benefits, including decreased duration of COVID-19 and reduced post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as limited side effects such as hepatic accumulation. This review summarizes the current research related to the oral derivatives of GS-441524, and provides important insights into the potential factors underlying the controversial observations regarding the clinical efficacy of remdesivir; overall, it offers an effective launching pad for developing an oral version of GS-441524.
Collapse
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, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Liyan Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Polarization and Information Technology, School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Xian-qing Song
- General Surgery Department, Ningbo Fourth Hospital, Xiangshan, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 genomic variation in response to molnupiravir treatment in the AGILE Phase IIa clinical trial. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7284. [PMID: 36435798 PMCID: PMC9701236 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir is an antiviral, currently approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for treating at-risk COVID-19 patients, that induces lethal error catastrophe in SARS-CoV-2. How this drug-induced mechanism of action might impact the emergence of resistance mutations is unclear. To investigate this, we used samples from the AGILE Candidate Specific Trial (CST)-2 (clinical trial number NCT04746183). The primary outcomes of AGILE CST-2 were to measure the drug safety and antiviral efficacy of molnupiravir in humans (180 participants randomised 1:1 with placebo). Here, we describe the pre-specified exploratory virological endpoint of CST-2, which was to determine the possible genomic changes in SARS-CoV-2 induced by molnupiravir treatment. We use high-throughput amplicon sequencing and minor variant analysis to characterise viral genomics in each participant whose longitudinal samples (days 1, 3 and 5 post-randomisation) pass the viral genomic quality criteria (n = 59 for molnupiravir and n = 65 for placebo). Over the course of treatment, no specific mutations were associated with molnupiravir treatment. We find that molnupiravir significantly increased the transition:transversion mutation ratio in SARS-CoV-2, consistent with the model of lethal error catastrophe. This study highlights the utility of examining intra-host virus populations to strengthen the prediction, and surveillance, of potential treatment-emergent adaptations.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lupia T, Corcione S, Shbaklo N, Boglione L, Torresan S, Pinna SM, Rizzello B, Bosio R, Fornari V, Brusa MT, Borrè S, De Rosa FG. Real-Life Experience of Molnupiravir in Hospitalized Patients Who Developed SARS-CoV2-Infection: Preliminary Results from CORACLE Registry. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1541. [PMID: 36358196 PMCID: PMC9686801 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-life experience of molnupiravir treatment is lacking, especially in people hospitalized for underlying diseases not related to COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective analysis regarding molnupiravir therapy in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted for underlying diseases not associated with COVID-19. Forty-four patients were included. The median age was 79 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 51-93 years), and most males were 57,4%. The median Charlson Comorbidity Index and 4C score were, respectively, 5 (IQR: 3-10) and 9.9 (IQR: 4-12). Moreover, 77.5% of the patients had at least two doses of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, although 10.6% had not received any SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Frequent comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases (68.1%), and diabetes (31.9%), and most admissions were for the acute chronic heart (20.4%) or liver (8.5%) failure. After molnupiravir started, 8 (18.1%) patients developed acute respiratory failure, and five (11.4%) patients died during hospitalisation. Moreover, molnupiravir treatment does not result in a statistically significant change in laboratory markers except for an increase in the monocyte count (p = 0.048, Z = 1.978). Molnupiravir treatment in our analysis was safe and well tolerated. In addition, no patients' characteristics were found significantly related to hospital mortality or an increase in oxygen support. The efficacy of the molecule remains controversial in large clinical studies, and further studies, including larger populations, are required to fill the gap in this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nour Shbaklo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Lucio Boglione
- Department of Translational Medicine (DiMET), University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Stefano Torresan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Mornese Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Rizzello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Bosio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Fornari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Borrè
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Saint Andrea Hospital, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|