Path to Another Drug Against COVID-19

Abstract

One of the crucial components in the fight against the SARS-CoV2 pandemic has been the speedy development of vaccines. However, a lack of board access, the rise of variants, and breakthrough infections are some of the many challenges that are yet to be addressed. Henceforth, it is incumbent that anaphylactic anti-viral agents against Covid be developed sooner rather than later. Although compounds acting against RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase have entered clinical trials, other viral enzymes have been identified as viable candidates for inhibition by chemical agents. Owen et al. discovered and characterized a novel drug compound that acts against the pivotal protease which catalyzes the breakage of the viral polyprotein integral in the replication of viruses.  In mouse models, the drug candidate named PF-07321332 which is administered orally has exhibited high selectivity, safety, and conferred protection against Covid infections. In vitro studies showed that the drug reached levels sufficient to inhibit the virus and this was also observed in Phase 1 clinical trials. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and a few other coronaviruses were also inhibited, demonstrating its potential as a possible addition to the anti-viral drug arsenal. — Science. 2021 Dec 24;374(6575):1586-1593.