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Sakander N, Ahmed A, Bhardwaj M, Kumari D, Nandi U, Mukherjee D. A path from synthesis to emergency use authorization of molnupiravir as a COVID-19 therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107379. [PMID: 38643567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107379] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a group of enveloped viruses with non-segmented, single-stranded, and positive-sense RNA genomes. It belongs to the 'Coronaviridae family', responsible for various diseases, including the common cold, SARS, and MERS. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020, has affected 209 countries, infected over a million people, and claimed over 50,000 lives. Significant efforts have been made by repurposing several approved drugs including antiviral, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Molnupiravir is found to be the first orally acting efficacious drug to treat COVID-19 cases. It was approved for medical use in the UK in November 2021 and other countries, including USFDA, which granted approval an emergency use authorization (EUA) for treating adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Considering the importance of molnupiravir, the present review deals with its various synthetic strategies, pharmacokinetics, bio-efficacy, toxicity, and safety profiles. The comprehensive information along with critical analysis will be very handy for a wide range of audience including medicinal chemists in the arena of antiviral drug discovery especially anti-viral drugs against any variant of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norein Sakander
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ajaz Ahmed
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Mahir Bhardwaj
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Diksha Kumari
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bose Institute, EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata 700091, WB, India.
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Nwabufo CK, Luc J, McGeer A, Hirota JA, Mubareka S, Doxey AC, Moraes TJ. COVID-19 severity gradient differentially dysregulates clinically relevant drug processing genes in nasopharyngeal swab samples. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38817198 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16124] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Understanding how COVID-19 impacts the expression of clinically relevant drug metabolizing enzymes and membrane transporters (DMETs) is vital for addressing potential safety and efficacy concerns related to systemic and peripheral drug concentrations. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 severity on DMETs expression and the underlying mechanisms to inform the design of precise clinical dosing regimens for affected patients. METHODS Transcriptomics analysis of 102 DMETs, 10 inflammatory markers, and 12 xenosensing regulatory genes was conducted on nasopharyngeal swabs from 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive (17 outpatients, 16 non-ICU, and 17 ICU) and 13 SARS-CoV-2 negative individuals, clinically tested through qPCR, in the Greater Toronto area from October 2020 to October 2021. RESULTS We observed a significant differential gene expression for 42 DMETs, 6 inflammatory markers, and 9 xenosensing regulatory genes. COVID-19 severity was associated with the upregulation of AKR1C1, MGST1, and SULT1E1, and downregulation of ABCC10, CYP3A43, and SLC29A4 expressions. Altogether, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients showed an upregulation in CYP2C9, CYP2C19, AKR1C1, SULT1B1, SULT2B1, and SLCO4A1 and downregulation in FMO5, MGST3, ABCC5, and SLCO4C1 compared with SARS-CoV-2 negative individuals. These dysregulations were associated with significant changes in the expression of inflammatory and xenosensing regulatory genes driven by the disease. GSTM3, PPARA, and AKR1C1 are potential biomarkers of the observed DMETs dysregulation pattern in nasopharyngeal swabs of outpatients, non-ICU, and ICU patients, respectively. CONCLUSION The severity of COVID-19 is associated with the dysregulation of DMETs involved in processing commonly prescribed drugs, suggesting potential disease-drug interactions, especially for narrow therapeutic index drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwunonso K Nwabufo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- OneDrug Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Luc
- Department of Biology and Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Allison McGeer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy Alexander Hirota
- Department of Biology and Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health-Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew C Doxey
- Department of Biology and Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Theo J Moraes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kiy RT, Khoo SH, Chadwick AE. Assessing the mitochondrial safety profile of the molnupiravir active metabolite, β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC), in the physiologically relevant HepaRG model. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae012. [PMID: 38328743 PMCID: PMC10848230 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background β-d-N4-Hydroxycytidine (NHC) is the active metabolite of molnupiravir, a broad-spectrum antiviral approved by the MHRA for COVID-19 treatment. NHC induces lethal mutagenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, undergoing incorporation into the viral genome and arresting viral replication. It has previously been reported that several nucleoside analogues elicit off-target inhibition of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or RNA replication. Although NHC does not exert these effects in HepG2 cells, HepaRG are proven to be advantageous over HepG2 for modelling nucleoside analogue-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, the objective of this work was to assess the mitotoxic potential of NHC in HepaRG cells, a model more closely resembling physiological human liver. Methods Differentiated HepaRG cells were exposed to 1-60 μM NHC for 3-14 days to investigate effects of sub-, supra-, and clinically-relevant exposures (in the UK, molnupiravir for COVID-19 is indicated for 5 days and reported Cmax is 16 μM). Following drug incubation, cell viability, mtDNA copy number, mitochondrial protein expression, and mitochondrial respiration were assessed. Results NHC induced minor decreases in cell viability at clinically relevant exposures, but did not decrease mitochondrial protein expression. The effects on mtDNA were variable, but typically copy number was increased. At supra-clinical concentrations (60 μM), NHC reduced mitochondrial respiration, but did not appear to induce direct electron transport chain dysfunction. Conclusions Overall, NHC does not cause direct mitochondrial toxicity in HepaRG cells at clinically relevant concentrations, but may induce minor cellular perturbations. As HepaRG cells have increased physiological relevance, these findings provide additional assurance of the mitochondrial safety profile of NHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn T Kiy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, United Kingdom
| | - Saye H Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, United Kingdom
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP, United Kingdom
| | - Amy E Chadwick
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, United Kingdom
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Maas BM, Strizki J, Miller RR, Kumar S, Brown M, Johnson MG, Cheng M, De Anda C, Rizk ML, Stone JA. Molnupiravir: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13732. [PMID: 38593352 PMCID: PMC10851176 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13732] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir is an oral prodrug of the broadly active, antiviral ribonucleoside analog N-hydroxycytidine (NHC). The primary circulating metabolite NHC is taken up into cells and phosphorylated to NHC-triphosphate (NHC-TP). NHC-TP serves as a competitive substrate for viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which results in an accumulation of errors in the viral genome, rendering virus replication incompetent. Molnupiravir has demonstrated activity against SARS-CoV-2 both clinically and preclinically and has a high barrier to development of viral resistance. Little to no molnupiravir is observed in plasma due to rapid hydrolysis to NHC. Maximum concentrations of NHC are reached at 1.5 h following administration in a fasted state. The effective half-life of NHC is 3.3 h, reflecting minimal accumulation in the plasma following twice-daily (Q12H) dosing. The terminal half-life of NHC is 20.6 h. NHC-TP exhibits a flatter profile with a lower peak-to-trough ratio compared with NHC, which supports Q12H dosing. Renal and hepatic pathways are not major routes of elimination, as NHC is primarily cleared by metabolism to uridine and cytidine, which then mix with the endogenous nucleotide pools. In a phase III study of nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 (MOVe-OUT), 5 days of treatment with 800 mg molnupiravir Q12H significantly reduced the incidence of hospitalization or death compared with placebo. Patients treated with molnupiravir also had a greater reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load and improved clinical outcomes, compared with those receiving placebo. The clinical effectiveness of molnupiravir has been further demonstrated in several real-world evidence studies. Molnupiravir is currently authorized or approved in more than 25 countries.
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Chang CH, Peng WY, Lee WH, Yang L, Lin TY, Yang MH, Tsai TH. Transporter modulation of molnupiravir and its metabolite β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine across the blood-brain barrier in a rat. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:150. [PMID: 37857815 PMCID: PMC10587300 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00383-w] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiviral drug molnupiravir is an orally bioavailable prodrug of the nucleoside analog β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC), which is used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is very little information on the barrier distribution of molnupiravir. Our hypothesis is that molnupiravir and NHC can penetrate the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) into brain tissue and that nucleoside transporters (equilibrative nucleoside transporters; ENT and concentrative nucleoside transporters; CNT) can modulate this process. METHODS To investigate the mechanism of molnupiravir transport through the BBB, multiple microdialyses coupled to a validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‒MS/MS) was developed to monitor dialysates, and nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR; an inhibitor of ENT) was administered concomitantly with molnupiravir (100 mg/kg, i.v.) in the male rat. RESULTS Here, we show that molnupiravir is rapidly metabolized to NHC in the blood and crossed the BBB in 20 min. Furthermore, when NBMPR is concomitantly administered to inhibit efflux, the concentrations of molnupiravir and NHC in the brain increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS In summary, molnupiravir rapidly transforms into NHC and crosses the BBB and reaches the brain at approximately 0.3-0.8% of the blood‒brain ratio. The maximum concentration of NHC in the blood and brain is above the average half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the drug required to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, suggesting a therapeutic effect. The penetration of NHC is modulated by NBMPR. These findings provide constructive information on brain disorders in clinical patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hao Chang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ya Peng
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsin Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ling Yang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
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Marikawa Y, Alarcon VB. An active metabolite of the anti-COVID-19 drug molnupiravir impairs mouse preimplantation embryos at clinically relevant concentrations. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 121:108475. [PMID: 37748715 PMCID: PMC10671791 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108475] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Molnupiravir is a nucleoside analog antiviral that is authorized for use in the treatment of COVID-19. For its therapeutic action, molnupiravir is converted after ingestion to the active metabolite N4-hydroxycytidine, which is incorporated into the viral genome to cause lethal mutagenesis. Molnupiravir is not recommended for use during pregnancy, because preclinical animal studies suggest that it is hazardous to developing embryos. However, the mechanisms underlying the embryotoxicity of molnupiravir are currently unknown. To gain mechanistic insights into its embryotoxic action, the effects of molnupiravir and N4-hydroxycytidine were examined on the in vitro development of mouse preimplantation embryos. Molnupiravir did not prevent blastocyst formation even at concentrations that were much higher than the therapeutic plasma levels. By contrast, N4-hyroxycytidine exhibited potent toxicity, as it interfered with blastocyst formation and caused extensive cell death at concentrations below the therapeutic plasma levels. The adverse effects of N4-hydroxycytidine were dependent on the timing of exposure, such that treatment after the 8-cell stage, but not before it, caused embryotoxicity. Transcriptomic analysis of N4-hydroxycytidine-exposed embryos, together with the examination of eIF-2a protein phosphorylation level, suggested that N4-hydroxycytidine induced the integrated stress response. The adverse effects of N4-hydroxycytidine were significantly alleviated by the co-treatment with S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine, suggesting that the embryotoxic potential of N4-hydroxycytidine requires the activity of nucleoside transporters. These findings show that the active metabolite of molnupiravir impairs preimplantation development at clinically relevant concentrations, providing mechanistic foundation for further studies on the embryotoxic potential of molnupiravir and other related nucleoside antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Marikawa
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Vernadeth B Alarcon
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. Addressing the Clinical Importance of Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters in Drug Discovery and Development. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 114:780-794. [PMID: 37404197 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) guidances on small-molecule drug-drug interactions (DDIs), with input from the International Transporter Consortium (ITC), recommend the evaluation of nine drug transporters. Although other clinically relevant drug uptake and efflux transporters have been discussed in ITC white papers, they have been excluded from further recommendation by the ITC and are not included in current regulatory guidances. These include the ubiquitously expressed equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT) 1 and ENT2, which have been recognized by the ITC for their potential role in clinically relevant nucleoside analog drug interactions for patients with cancer. Although there is comparatively limited clinical evidence supporting their role in DDI risk or other adverse drug reactions (ADRs) compared with the nine highlighted transporters, several in vitro and in vivo studies have identified ENT interactions with non-nucleoside/non-nucleotide drugs, in addition to nucleoside/nucleotide analogs. Some noteworthy examples of compounds that interact with ENTs include cannabidiol and selected protein kinase inhibitors, as well as the nucleoside analogs remdesivir, EIDD-1931, gemcitabine, and fialuridine. Consequently, DDIs involving the ENTs may be responsible for therapeutic inefficacy or off-target toxicity. Evidence suggests that ENT1 and ENT2 should be considered as transporters potentially involved in clinically relevant DDIs and ADRs, thereby warranting further investigation and regulatory consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K Hau
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Stephen H Wright
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Bhardwaj M, Gour A, Ahmed A, Dhiman S, Manhas D, Khajuria P, Wazir P, Mukherjee D, Nandi U. Impact of Disease States on the Oral Pharmacokinetics of EIDD-1931 (an Active Form of Molnupiravir) in Rats for Implication in the Dose Adjustment. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4597-4610. [PMID: 37527414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00314] [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: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetic alteration of an antimicrobial medication leading to sub-therapeutic plasma level can aid in the emergence of resistance, a global threat nowadays. In this context, molnupiravir (prodrug of EIDD-1931) is the most efficacious orally against corona virus disease (COVID-19). In addition to drug-drug interaction, the pharmacokinetics of a drug can significantly vary during any disease state, leading to disease-drug interaction. However, no information is available for such a recently approved drug. Therefore, we aimed to explore the oral pharmacokinetics of EIDD-1931 in seven chemically induced disease states individually compared to the normal state using various rat models. Induction of any disease situation was confirmed by the disease specific study(s) prior to pharmacokinetic investigations. Compared to the normal state, substantially lowered plasma exposure (0.47- and 0.63-fold) with notably enhanced clearance (2.00- and 1.56-fold) of EIDD-1931 was observed in rats of ethanol-induced gastric injury and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury states. Conversely, paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain and cisplatin-induced kidney injury states exhibited opposite outcomes on oral exposure (1.43- and 1.50-fold) and clearance (0.69- and 0.65-fold) of EIDD-1931. Although the highest plasma concentration (2.26-fold) markedly augmented in the doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury state, streptozocin-induced diabetes and lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury state did not substantially influence the pharmacokinetics of EIDD-1931. Exploring the possible phenomenon behind the reduced or boosted plasma exposure of EIDD-1931, results suggest the need for dose adjustment in respective diseased conditions in order to achieve desired efficacy during oral therapy of EIDD-1931.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahir Bhardwaj
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Abhishek Gour
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ajaz Ahmed
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry (NPMC) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sumit Dhiman
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Diksha Manhas
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Parul Khajuria
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Priya Wazir
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry (NPMC) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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Chang CH, Peng WY, Lee WH, Lin TY, Yang MH, Dalley JW, Tsai TH. Transfer and biotransformation of the COVID-19 prodrug molnupiravir and its metabolite β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine across the blood-placenta barrier. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104748. [PMID: 37544201 PMCID: PMC10427982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molnupiravir is an orally bioavailable prodrug of the nucleoside analogue β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC) and is used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the pharmacokinetics and transplacental transfer of molnupiravir in pregnant women are still not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that molnupiravir and NHC cross the blood-placenta barrier into the fetus. METHODS A multisite microdialysis coupled with a validated ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‒MS/MS) system was developed to monitor the dialysate levels of molnupiravir and NHC in maternal rat blood and conceptus (the collective term for the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid). Molnupiravir was administered intravenously (100 mg/kg, i.v.) on gestational day 16. To investigate the mechanism of transport of molnupiravir across the blood-placenta barrier, we coadministered nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR, 10 mg/kg, i.v.) to inhibit equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT). FINDINGS We report that molnupiravir is rapidly metabolized to NHC and then rapidly transformed in the fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, and maternal blood. Our pharmacokinetics analysis revealed that the area under the concentration curve (AUC) for the mother-to-fetus ratio (AUCfetus/AUCblood) of NHC was 0.29 ± 0.11. Further, we demonstrated that the transport of NHC in the placenta may not be subject to modulation by the ENT. INTERPRETATION Our results show that NHC is the predominant bioactive metabolite of molnupiravir and rapidly crosses the blood-placenta barrier in pregnant rats. The NHC concentration in maternal blood and conceptus was above the average median inhibitory concentration (IC50) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), suggesting a therapeutic effect. These findings support the use of molnupiravir in pregnant patients infected with COVID. FUNDING This study was supported in part by research grants from the National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan (NSTC 111-2113-M-A49-018 and NSTC 112-2321-B-A49-005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hao Chang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ya Peng
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsin Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeffrey W Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Yan D, Yan B. Viral target and metabolism-based rationale for combined use of recently authorized small molecule COVID-19 medicines: Molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and remdesivir. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:726-738. [PMID: 36931725 PMCID: PMC10505250 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic remains a major health concern worldwide, and SARS-CoV-2 is continuously evolving. There is an urgent need to identify new antiviral drugs and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Combined use of newly authorized COVID-19 medicines including molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and remdesivir has been actively pursued. Mechanistically, nirmatrelvir inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting the viral main protease (Mpro ), a critical enzyme in the processing of the immediately translated coronavirus polyproteins for viral replication. Molnupiravir and remdesivir, on the other hand, inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp), which is directly responsible for genome replication and production of subgenomic RNAs. Molnupiravir targets RdRp and induces severe viral RNA mutations (genome), commonly referred to as error catastrophe. Remdesivir, in contrast, targets RdRp and causes chain termination and arrests RNA synthesis of the viral genome. In addition, all three medicines undergo extensive metabolism with strong therapeutic significance. Molnupiravir is hydrolytically activated by carboxylesterase-2 (CES2), nirmatrelvir is inactivated by cytochrome P450-based oxidation (e.g., CYP3A4), and remdesivir is hydrolytically activated by CES1 but covalently inhibits CES2. Additionally, remdesivir and nirmatrelvir are oxidized by the same CYP enzymes. The distinct mechanisms of action provide strong rationale for their combined use. On the other hand, these drugs undergo extensive metabolism that determines their therapeutic potential. This review discusses how metabolism pathways and enzymes involved should be carefully considered during their combined use for therapeutic synergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Yan
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine 609 Albany Street Boston, MA 02118
| | - Bingfang Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229
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11
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Bakos É, Temesszentandrási-Ambrus C, Özvegy-Laczka C, Gáborik Z, Sarkadi B, Telbisz Á. Interactions of the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir/Paxlovid with Human Drug Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11237. [PMID: 37510996 PMCID: PMC10379611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411237] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Orally administered small molecules may have important therapeutic potential in treating COVID-19 disease. The recently developed antiviral agents, Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir, have been reported to be efficient treatments, with only moderate side effects, especially when applied in the early phases of this disease. However, drug-drug and drug-transporter interactions have already been noted by the drug development companies and in the application notes. In the present work, we have studied some of the key human transporters interacting with these agents. The nucleoside analog Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) and its main metabolite (EIDD-1931) were found to inhibit CNT1,2 in addition to the ENT1,2 nucleoside transporters; however, it did not significantly influence the relevant OATP transporters or the ABCC4 nucleoside efflux transporter. The active component of Paxlovid (PF-07321332, Nirmatrelvir) inhibited the function of several OATPs and of ABCB1 but did not affect ABCG2. However, significant inhibition was observed only at high concentrations of Nirmatrelvir and probably did not occur in vivo. Paxlovid, as used in the clinic, is a combination of Nirmatrelvir (viral protease inhibitor) and Ritonavir (a "booster" inhibitor of Nirmatrelvir metabolism). Ritonavir is known to inhibit several drug transporters; therefore, we have examined these compounds together, in relevant concentrations and ratios. No additional inhibitory effect of Nirmatrelvir was observed compared to the strong transporter inhibition caused by Ritonavir. Our current in vitro results should help to estimate the potential drug-drug interactions of these newly developed agents during COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Bakos
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences-RCNS, Magyar Tudósok krt 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Csilla Özvegy-Laczka
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences-RCNS, Magyar Tudósok krt 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Gáborik
- Charles River Laboratories, Irinyi József u. 4-20, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Sarkadi
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences-RCNS, Magyar Tudósok krt 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Telbisz
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences-RCNS, Magyar Tudósok krt 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. Drug Transporters at the Human Blood-Testis Barrier. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:560-571. [PMID: 36732077 PMCID: PMC10158500 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.001186] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transporters are involved in the movement of many physiologically important molecules across cell membranes and have a substantial impact on the pharmacological and toxicological effect of xenobiotics. Many transporters have been studied in the context of disposition to, or toxicity in, organs such as the kidney and liver; however, transporters in the testes are increasingly gaining recognition for their role in drug transport across the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The BTB is an epithelial membrane barrier formed by adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) in the seminiferous tubules that form intercellular junctional complexes to protect developing germ cells from the external environment. Consequently, many charged or large polar molecules cannot cross this barrier without assistance from a transporter. SCs express a variety of drug uptake and efflux transporters to control the flux of endogenous and exogenous molecules across the BTB. Recent studies have identified several transport pathways in SCs that allow certain drugs to circumvent the human BTB. These pathways may exist in other species, such as rodents and nonhuman primates; however, there is (1) a lack of information on their expression and/or localization in these species, and (2) conflicting reports on localization of some transporters that have been evaluated in rodents compared with humans. This review outlines the current knowledge on the expression and localization of pharmacologically relevant drug transporters in human testes and calls attention to the insufficient and contradictory understanding of testicular transporters in other species that are commonly used in drug disposition and toxicity studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: While the expression, localization, and function of many xenobiotic transporters have been studied in organs such as the kidney and liver, the characterization of transporters in the testes is scarce. This review summarizes the expression and localization of common pharmacologically-relevant transporters in human testes that have significant implications for the development of drugs that can cross the blood-testis barrier. Potential expression differences between humans and rodents highlighted here suggest rodents may be inappropriate for some testicular disposition and toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K Hau
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Stephen H Wright
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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13
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Vignaux P, Lane TR, Puhl AC, Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ, Ekins S. Transporter Inhibition Profile for the Antivirals Tilorone, Quinacrine and Pyronaridine. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:12532-12537. [PMID: 37033868 PMCID: PMC10077433 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Pyronaridine, tilorone and quinacrine are cationic molecules that have in vitro activity against Ebola, SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. All three molecules have also demonstrated in vivo activity against Ebola in mice, while pyronaridine showed in vivo efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in mice. We have recently tested these molecules and other antivirals against human organic cation transporters (OCTs) and apical multidrug and toxin extruders (MATEs). Quinacrine was found to be an inhibitor of OCT2, while tilorone and pyronaridine were less potent, and these displayed variability depending on the substrate used. To assess whether any of these three molecules have other potential interactions with additional transporters, we have now screened them at 10 μM against various human efflux and uptake transporters including P-gp, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, BCRP, as well as confirmational testing against OCT1, OCT2, MATE1 and MATE2K. Interestingly, in this study tilorone appears to be a more potent inhibitor of OCT1 and OCT2 than pyronaridine or quinacrine. However, both pyronaridine and quinacrine appear to be more potent inhibitors of MATE1 and MATE2K. None of the three compounds inhibited MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, OAT1, OAT3, P-gp or OATP1B3. Similarly, we previously showed that tilorone and pyronaridine do not inhibit OATP1B1 and have confirmed that quinacrine behaves similarly. In total, these observations suggest that the three compounds only appear to interact with OCTs and MATEs to differing extents, suggesting they may be involved in fewer clinically relevant drug-transporter interactions involving pharmaceutical substrates of the other major transporters tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia
A. Vignaux
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Thomas R. Lane
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Ana C. Puhl
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Raymond K. Hau
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Stephen H. Wright
- Department
of Physiology, College of Medicine, University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United
States
| | - Nathan J. Cherrington
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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14
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Petrosillo N. SARS-CoV-2 rebound with and without antivirals. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:637-639. [PMID: 36796396 PMCID: PMC9925057 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00063-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Petrosillo
- Infection Prevention and Control-Infectious Disease Service, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy.
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15
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Pharmacokinetic considerations to optimize clinical outcomes for COVID-19 drugs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:1041-1054. [PMID: 36374805 PMCID: PMC9510059 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.09.005] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of clinically effective drugs that could complement existing vaccines is urgently needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Drug-metabolizing enzymes, membrane-associated drug transporters, and inflammatory responses can partly determine the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 drugs by controlling their concentrations in both the systemic circulation and in peripheral tissues. It is still unknown how these factors affect how well COVID-19 drugs work in the clinic. We explore how drug metabolism and transport, as well as SARS-CoV-2-associated inflammatory response at disease target sites, may affect the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 drugs. In addition, we provide expert opinion on potential strategies for overcoming the clinical pharmacology and pathophysiological obstacles to improve COVID-19 drug effectiveness.
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16
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Shen Y, Eades W, Liu W, Yan B. The COVID-19 Oral Drug Molnupiravir Is a CES2 Substrate: Potential Drug-Drug Interactions and Impact of CES2 Genetic Polymorphism In Vitro. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:1151-1160. [PMID: 35790245 PMCID: PMC9450960 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir is one of the two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) oral drugs that were recently granted the emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Molnupiravir is an ester and requires hydrolysis to exert antiviral activity. Carboxylesterases constitute a class of hydrolases with high catalytic efficiency. Humans express two major carboxylesterases (CES1 and CES2) that differ in substrate specificity. Based on the structural characteristics of molnupiravir, this study was performed to test the hypothesis that molnupiravir is preferably hydrolyzed by CES2. Several complementary approaches were used to test this hypothesis. As many as 24 individual human liver samples were tested and the hydrolysis of molnupiravir was significantly correlated with the level of CES2 but not CES1. Microsomes from the intestine, kidney, and liver, but not lung, all rapidly hydrolyzed molnupiravir and the magnitude of hydrolysis was related closely to the level of CES2 expression among these organs. Importantly, recombinant CES2 but not CES1 hydrolyzed molnupiravir, collectively establishing that molnupiravir is a CES2-selective substrate. In addition, several CES2 polymorphic variants (e.g., R180H) differed from the wild-type CES2 in the hydrolysis of molnupiravir. Molecular docking revealed that wild-type CES2 and its variant R180H used different sets of amino acids to interact with molnupiravir. Furthermore, molnupiravir hydrolysis was significantly inhibited by remdesivir, the first COVID-19 drug granted the full approval by the FDA. The results presented raise the possibility that CES2 expression and genetic variation may impact therapeutic efficacy in clinical situations and warrants further investigation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: COVID-19 remains a global health crisis, and molnupiravir is one of the two recently approved oral COVID-19 therapeutics. In this study, we have shown that molnupiravir is hydrolytically activated by CES2, a major hydrolase whose activity is impacted by genetic polymorphic variants, disease mediators, and many potentially coadministered medicines. These results presented raise the possibility that CES2 expression and genetic variation may impact therapeutic efficacy in clinical situations and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - William Eades
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - William Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Bingfang Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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17
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Wang AQ, Hagen NR, Padilha EC, Yang M, Shah P, Chen CZ, Huang W, Terse P, Sanderson P, Zheng W, Xu X. Preclinical Pharmacokinetics and In Vitro Properties of GS-441524, a Potential Oral Drug Candidate for COVID-19 Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:918083. [PMID: 36052127 PMCID: PMC9424906 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.918083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and In Vitro ADME properties of GS-441524, a potential oral agent for the treatment of Covid-19, were studied. GS-441524 was stable in vitro in liver microsomes, cytosols, and hepatocytes of mice, rats, monkeys, dogs, and humans. The plasma free fractions of GS-441524 were 62-78% across all studied species. The in vitro transporter study results showed that GS-441524 was a substrate of MDR1, BCRP, CNT3, ENT1, and ENT2; but not a substrate of CNT1, CNT2, and ENT4. GS-441524 had a low to moderate plasma clearance (CLp), ranging from 4.1 mL/min/kg in dogs to 26 mL/min/kg in mice; the steady state volume distribution (Vdss) ranged from 0.9 L/kg in dogs to 2.4 L/kg in mice after IV administration. Urinary excretion appeared to be the major elimination process for GS-441524. Following oral administration, the oral bioavailability was 8.3% in monkeys, 33% in rats, 39% in mice, and 85% in dogs. The PK and ADME properties of GS-441524 support its further development as an oral drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Q. Wang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Xu
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
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18
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Pastor-Anglada M, Mata-Ventosa A, Pérez-Torras S. Inborn Errors of Nucleoside Transporter (NT)-Encoding Genes ( SLC28 and SLC29). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8770. [PMID: 35955904 PMCID: PMC9369021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper regulation of nucleotide pools is essential for all types of cellular functions and depends on de novo nucleotide biosynthesis, salvage, and degradation pathways. Despite the apparent essentiality of these processes, a significant number of rare diseases associated with mutations in genes encoding various enzymes of these pathways have been already identified, and others are likely yet to come. However, knowledge on genetic alterations impacting on nucleoside and nucleobase transporters is still limited. At this moment three gene-encoding nucleoside and nucleobase transporter proteins have been reported to be mutated in humans, SLC29A1, SLC29A3, and SLC28A1, impacting on the expression and function of ENT1, ENT3, and CNT1, respectively. ENT1 alterations determine Augustine-null blood type and cause ectopic calcification during aging. ENT3 deficiency translates into various clinical manifestations and syndromes, altogether listed in the OMIM catalog as histiocytosis-lymphoadenopathy plus syndrome (OMIM#602782). CNT1 deficiency causes uridine-cytidineuria (URCTU) (OMIM#618477), a unique type of pyrimidineuria with an as yet not well-known clinical impact. Increasing knowledge on the physiological, molecular and structural features of these transporter proteins is helping us to better understand the biological basis behind the biochemical and clinical manifestations caused by these deficiencies. Moreover, they also support the view that some metabolic compensation might occur in these disturbances, because they do not seem to significantly impact nucleotide homeostasis, but rather other biological events associated with particular subtypes of transporter proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marçal Pastor-Anglada
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBER EHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida Mata-Ventosa
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBER EHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Pérez-Torras
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBER EHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Yang M, Xu X. Important roles of transporters in the pharmacokinetics of anti-viral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:483-505. [PMID: 35975669 PMCID: PMC9506706 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2112175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleoside analogs are an important class of antiviral agents. Due to the high hydrophilicity and limited membrane permeability of antiviral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (AVNAs), transporters play critical roles in AVNA pharmacokinetics. Understanding the properties of these transporters is important to accelerate translational research for AVNAs. AREAS COVERED The roles of key transporters in the pharmacokinetics of 25 approved AVNAs were reviewed. Clinically relevant information that can be explained by the modulation of transporter functions is also highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Although the roles of transporters in the intestinal absorption and renal excretion of AVNAs have been well identified, more research is warranted to understand their roles in the distribution of AVNAs, especially to immune privileged compartments where treatment of viral infection is challenging. P-gp, MRP4, BCRP, and nucleoside transporters have shown extensive impacts in the disposition of AVNAs. It is highly recommended that the role of transporters should be investigated during the development of novel AVNAs. Clinically, co-administered inhibitors and genetic polymorphism of transporters are the two most frequently reported factors altering AVNA pharmacokinetics. Physiopathology conditions also regulate transporter activities, while their effects on pharmacokinetics need further exploration. Pharmacokinetic models could be useful for elucidating these complicated factors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengbi Yang
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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20
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A Newly Engineered A549 Cell Line Expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Is Highly Permissive to SARS-CoV-2, Including the Delta and Omicron Variants. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071369. [PMID: 35891350 PMCID: PMC9318744 DOI: 10.3390/v14071369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
New variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to emerge, causing surges, breakthrough infections, and devastating losses—underscoring the importance of identifying SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. A simple, accessible human cell culture model permissive to SARS-CoV-2 variants is critical for identifying and assessing antivirals in a high-throughput manner. Although human alveolar A549 cells are a valuable model for studying respiratory virus infections, they lack two essential host factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection: angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor for viral entry and TMPRSS2 to prime the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, both of which are negligibly expressed in A549 cells. Here, we report the generation of a suitable human cell line for SARS-CoV-2 studies by transducing human ACE2 and TMPRSS2 into A549 cells. We show that subclones highly expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 (“ACE2plus” and the subclone “ACE2plusC3”) are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, including the delta and omicron variants. These subclones express more ACE2 and TMPRSS2 transcripts than existing commercial A549 cells engineered to express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Additionally, the antiviral drugs EIDD-1931, remdesivir, nirmatrelvir, and nelfinavir strongly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants in our infection model. Our data show that ACE2plusC3 cells are highly permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be used to identify anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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21
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Merches K, Breunig L, Fender J, Brand T, Bätz V, Idel S, Kollipara L, Reinders Y, Sickmann A, Mally A, Lorenz K. The potential of remdesivir to affect function, metabolism and proliferation of cardiac and kidney cells in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2341-2360. [PMID: 35579693 PMCID: PMC9110936 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Remdesivir is a prodrug of a nucleoside analog and the first antiviral therapeutic approved for coronavirus disease. Recent cardiac safety concerns and reports on remdesivir-related acute kidney injury call for a better characterization of remdesivir toxicity and understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we performed an in vitro toxicity assessment of remdesivir around clinically relevant concentrations (Cmax 9 µM) using H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts, neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCM), rat NRK-52E and human RPTEC/TERT1 cells as cell models for the assessment of cardiotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, respectively. Due to the known potential of nucleoside analogs for the induction of mitochondrial toxicity, we assessed mitochondrial function in response to remdesivir treatment, early proteomic changes in NMCM and RPTEC/TERT1 cells and the contractile function of NMCM. Short-term treatments (24 h) of H9c2 and NRK-52E cells with remdesivir adversely affected cell viability by inhibition of proliferation as determined by significantly decreased 3H-thymidine uptake. Mitochondrial toxicity of remdesivir (1.6–3.1 µM) in cardiac cells was evident by a significant decrease in oxygen consumption, a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in lactate secretion after a 24–48-h treatment. This was supported by early proteomic changes of respiratory chain proteins and intermediate filaments that are typically involved in mitochondrial reorganization. Functionally, an impedance-based analysis showed that remdesivir (6.25 µM) affected the beat rate and contractility of NMCM. In conclusion, we identified adverse effects of remdesivir in cardiac and kidney cells at clinically relevant concentrations, suggesting a careful evaluation of therapeutic use in patients at risk for cardiovascular or kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Merches
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leonie Breunig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Brand
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Bätz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Idel
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Yvonne Reinders
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.,Medizinische Fakultät, Medizinisches Proteom-Center (MPC), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Angela Mally
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany. .,PGS Toxicology and Environmental Protection, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 28, Leipzig, Germany.
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22
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Hafey MJ, Aleksunes LM, Bridges CC, Brouwer KR, Chien HC, Leslie EM, Hu S, Li Y, Shen J, Sparreboom A, Sprowl J, Tweedie D, Lai Y. Transporters and Toxicity: Insights from the International Transporter Consortium Workshop 4. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 112:527-539. [PMID: 35546260 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, significant progress been made in elucidating the role of membrane transporters in altering drug disposition, with important toxicological consequences due to changes in localized concentrations of compounds. The topic of "Transporters and Toxicity" was recently highlighted as a scientific session at the International Transporter Consortium (ITC) Workshop 4 in 2021. The current white paper is not intended to be an extensive review on the topic of transporters and toxicity but an opportunity to highlight aspects of the role of transporters in various toxicities with clinically relevant implications as covered during the session. This includes a review of the role of solute carrier transporters in anticancer drug-induced organ injury, transporters as key players in organ barrier function, and the role of transporters in metal/metalloid toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hafey
- ADME and Discovery Toxicology, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christy C Bridges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Huan-Chieh Chien
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elaine M Leslie
- Departments of Physiology and Lab Med and Path, Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shuiying Hu
- Division of Outcomes and Translational Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jinshan Shen
- Relay Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex Sparreboom
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jason Sprowl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | | | - Yurong Lai
- Drug Metabolism, Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
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23
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Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) Does Not Interact with Human ENT1 or ENT2: Implications for COVID-19 Patients. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:1599-1605. [PMID: 35505633 PMCID: PMC9283746 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and subsequently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), has led to the deaths of over 6.1 million people and sparked a greater interest in virology to expedite the development process for antivirals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for three antivirals: remdesivir, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir. Remdesivir and molnupiravir are nucleoside analogs that undergo biotransformation to form active metabolites that incorporate into new viral RNA to stall replication. Unlike remdesivir or molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir is a protease inhibitor that covalently binds to the SARS‐CoV‐2 3C‐like protease to interrupt the viral replication cycle. A recent study identified that remdesivir and the active metabolite of molnupiravir, EIDD‐1931, are substrates of equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 and 2 (ENT1 and 2). Despite the ubiquitous expression of the ENTs, the preclinical efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir is not reflected in wide‐scale SARS‐CoV‐2 clinical trials. Interestingly, downregulation of ENT1 and ENT2 expression has been shown in lung epithelial and endothelial cells in response to hypoxia and acute lung injury, although it has not been directly studied in patients with COVID‐19. It is possible that the poor efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir in these patients may be partially attributed to the repression of ENTs in the lungs, but further studies are warranted. This study investigated the interaction between nirmatrelvir and the ENTs and found that it was a poor inhibitor of ENT‐mediated [3H]uridine uptake at 300 μM. Unlike for remdesivir or EIDD‐1931, ENT activity is unlikely to be a factor for nirmatrelvir disposition in humans; however, whether this contributes to the similar in vitro and clinical efficacy will require further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K Hau
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen H Wright
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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24
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Zhou H, Ni WJ, Huang W, Wang Z, Cai M, Sun YC. Advances in Pathogenesis, Progression, Potential Targets and Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in SARS-CoV-2-Induced COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834942. [PMID: 35450063 PMCID: PMC9016159 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As the new year of 2020 approaches, an acute respiratory disease quietly caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. Subsequently, COVID-19 broke out on a global scale and formed a global public health emergency. To date, the destruction that has lasted for more than two years has not stopped and has caused the virus to continuously evolve new mutant strains. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to cause multiple complications and lead to severe disability and death, which has dealt a heavy blow to global development, not only in the medical field but also in social security, economic development, global cooperation and communication. To date, studies on the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanism and pathological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19, as well as target confirmation, drug screening, and clinical intervention have achieved remarkable effects. With the continuous efforts of the WHO, governments of various countries, and scientific research and medical personnel, the public’s awareness of COVID-19 is gradually deepening, a variety of prevention methods and detection methods have been implemented, and multiple vaccines and drugs have been developed and urgently marketed. However, these do not appear to have completely stopped the pandemic and ravages of this virus. Meanwhile, research on SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 has also seen some twists and controversies, such as potential drugs and the role of vaccines. In view of the fact that research on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 has been extensive and in depth, this review will systematically update the current understanding of the epidemiology, transmission mechanism, pathological features, potential targets, promising drugs and ongoing clinical trials, which will provide important references and new directions for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Huang
- The Third People's Hospital of Hefei, The Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Fudan University-Anhui Campus, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yan-Cai Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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25
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Johnson EK. A Comment on "Remdesivir and EIDD-1931 Interact with Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters 1 and 2: Implications for Reaching SARS-CoV-2 Viral Sanctuary Sites". Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:120. [PMID: 35105678 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric K Johnson
- Washington University Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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26
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Miller SR, McGrath ME, Zorn KM, Ekins S, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. Response to Comments on "Remdesivir and EIDD-1931 Interact with Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters 1 and 2: Implications for Reaching SARS-CoV-2 Viral Sanctuary Sites". Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:121-122. [PMID: 35105679 PMCID: PMC11037455 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Siennah R Miller
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (S.R.M., M.E.M., N.J.C.) and Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (K.M.Z., S.E.)
| | - Meghan E McGrath
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (S.R.M., M.E.M., N.J.C.) and Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (K.M.Z., S.E.)
| | - Kimberley M Zorn
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (S.R.M., M.E.M., N.J.C.) and Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (K.M.Z., S.E.)
| | - Sean Ekins
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (S.R.M., M.E.M., N.J.C.) and Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (K.M.Z., S.E.)
| | - Stephen H Wright
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (S.R.M., M.E.M., N.J.C.) and Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (K.M.Z., S.E.)
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (S.R.M., M.E.M., N.J.C.) and Department of Physiology (S.H.W.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (K.M.Z., S.E.) cherrington@pharmacy
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27
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Liou JW, Chang CC, Hsu HJ, Wu TY. Computer-aided discovery, design, and investigation of COVID-19 therapeutics. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 34:276-286. [PMID: 35912059 PMCID: PMC9333103 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_318_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently the most serious public health threat faced by mankind. Thus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is being intensively investigated. Several vaccines are now available for clinical use. However, owing to the highly mutated nature of RNA viruses, the SARS-CoV-2 is changing at a rapid speed. Breakthrough infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants have been seen in vaccinated individuals. As a result, effective therapeutics for treating COVID-19 patients is urgently required. With the advance of computer technology, computational methods have become increasingly powerful in the biomedical research and pharmaceutical drug discovery. The applications of these techniques have largely reduced the costs and simplified processes of pharmaceutical drug developments. Intensive and extensive studies on SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been carried out and three-dimensional structures of the major SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been resolved and deposited in the Protein Data Bank. These structures provide the foundations for drug discovery and design using the structure-based computations, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In this review, introduction to the applications of computational methods in the discovery and design of novel drugs and repurposing of existing drugs for the treatments of COVID-19 is given. The examples of computer-aided investigations and screening of COVID-19 effective therapeutic compounds, functional peptides, as well as effective molecules from the herb medicines are discussed.
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28
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Pourkarim F, Pourtaghi‐Anvarian S, Rezaee H. Molnupiravir: A new candidate for COVID-19 treatment. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 10:e00909. [PMID: 34968008 PMCID: PMC8929331 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emerged in late December 2019 in china and has rapidly spread to many countries around the world. The effective pharmacotherapy can reduce the mortality of COVID‐19. Antiviral medications are the candidate therapies for the management of COVID‐19. Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug with anti‐RNA polymerase activity and currently is under investigation for the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. This review focuses on summarizing published literature for the mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and clinical trials of molnupiravir in the treatment of COVID‐19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Pourkarim
- Student Research CommitteeFaculty of PharmacyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of PharmacyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Samira Pourtaghi‐Anvarian
- Student Research CommitteeFaculty of PharmacyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of PharmacyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Haleh Rezaee
- Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of PharmacyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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