In Vitro Antiviral Activity and Preliminary Clinical Trials of a New Adamantane Compound

Objective.To characterize hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) exposure in patients with rheumatic disease receiving longterm HCQ compared to target concentrations with reported antiviral activity against the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).Method.We evaluated total HCQ concentrations in serum and plasma from published literature values, frozen serum samples from a pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus trial, and simulated concentrations using a published pharmacokinetic model during pregnancy. For each source, we compared observed or predicted HCQ concentrations to target concentrations with reported antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.Results.The average total serum/plasma HCQ concentrations were below the lowest SARS-CoV-2 target of 0.48 mg/l in all studies. Assuming the highest antiviral target exposure (total plasma concentration of 4.1 mg/l), all studies had about one-tenth the necessary concentration for in vitro viral inhibition. Pharmacokinetic model simulations confirmed that pregnant adults receiving common dosing for rheumatic diseases did not achieve target exposures; however, the models predict that a dosage of 600 mg once a day during pregnancy would obtain the lowest median target exposure for most patients after the first dose.Conclusion.We found that the average patient receiving treatment with HCQ for rheumatic diseases, including children and non-pregnant/pregnant adults, are unlikely to achieve total serum or plasma concentrations shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Nevertheless, patients receiving HCQ long term may have tissue concentrations far exceeding that of serum/plasma. Because the therapeutic window for HCQ in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 is unknown, well-designed clinical trials that include patients with rheumatic disease are urgently needed to characterize the efficacy, safety, and target exposures for HCQ.

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Antiviral Activity of Ivermectin Against SARS-CoV-2: An Old-Fashioned Dog with a New Trick—A Literature Review

Scientia Pharmaceutica ◽

10.3390/scipharm88030036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 88 (3) ◽

pp. 36 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mudatsir Mudatsir ◽

Amanda Yufika ◽

Firzan Nainu ◽

Andri Frediansyah ◽

Dewi Megawati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Literature Review ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Investigational Drug ◽

Modeling Analysis ◽

Global Threat

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major global threat. With no effective antiviral drugs, the repurposing of many currently available drugs has been considered. One such drug is ivermectin, an FDA-approved antiparasitic agent that has been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against a broad range of viruses. Recent studies have suggested that ivermectin inhibits the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), thus suggesting its potential for use against COVID-19. This review has summarized the evidence derived from docking and modeling analysis, in vitro and in vivo studies, and results from new investigational drug protocols, as well as clinical trials, if available, which will be effective in supporting the prospective use of ivermectin as an alternative treatment for COVID-19.

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Iterated Virtual Screening-Assisted Antiviral and Enzyme Inhibition Assays Reveal the Discovery of Novel Promising Anti-SARS-CoV-2 with Dual Activity

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22169057 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (16) ◽

pp. 9057

Author(s):

Rania Hamdy ◽

Bahgat Fayed ◽

Ahmed Mostafa ◽

Noura M. Abo Shama ◽

Sara Hussein Mahmoud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Molecular Docking ◽

Virtual Screening ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Enzyme Inhibition ◽

Parent Compound ◽

Group Analysis ◽

Biological Evaluation ◽

Dynamics Simulation

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a threat to humankind and has a dramatic impact on human health, social life, the world economy, and food security. With the limited number of suggested therapies under clinical trials, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents is essential. Here, a previously identified anti-SARS-CoV-2 compound named Compound 13 (1,2,5-Oxadiazole-3-carboximidic acid, 4,4’-(methylenediimino) bis,bis[[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hydrazide) was subjected to an iterated virtual screening against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro using a combination of Ligand Designer and PathFinder. PathFinder, a computational reaction enumeration tool, was used for the rapid generation of enumerated structures via default reaction library. Ligand designer was employed for the computerized lead optimization and selection of the best structural modification that resulted in a favorable ligand–protein complex. The obtained compounds that showed the best binding to Mpro were re-screened against TMPRSS2, leading to the identification of 20 shared compounds. The compounds were further visually inspected, which resulted in the identification of five shared compounds M1–5 with dual binding affinity. In vitro evaluation and enzyme inhibition assay indicated that M3, an analogue of Compound 13 afforded by replacing the phenolic moiety with pyridinyl, possesses an improved antiviral activity and safety. M3 displayed in vitro antiviral activity with IC50 0.016 µM and Mpro inhibition activity with IC50 0.013 µM, 7-fold more potent than the parent Compound 13 and potent than the antivirals drugs that are currently under clinical trials. Moreover, M3 showed potent activity against human TMPRSS2 and furin enzymes with IC50 0.05, and 0.08 µM, respectively. Molecular docking, WaterMap analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and R-group analysis confirmed the superiority of the binding fit to M3 with the target enzymes. WaterMap analysis calculated the thermodynamic properties of the hydration site in the binding pocket that significantly affects the biological activity. Loading M3 on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) increased the antiviral activity of the compound 1.5-fold, while maintaining a higher safety profile. In conclusion, lead optimized discovery following an iterated virtual screening in association with molecular docking and biological evaluation revealed a novel compound named M3 with promising dual activity against SARS-CoV-2. The compound deserves further investigation for potential clinical-based studies.

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543. Molnupiravir Maintains Antiviral Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants In Vitro and in Early Clinical Studies

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab466.742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S373-S373

Author(s):

Jay Grobler ◽

Julie Strizki ◽

Nicholas Murgolo ◽

Wei Gao ◽

Youfang Cao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Viral Genome ◽

Research Study ◽

Scientific Research ◽

Spike Protein ◽

Research Support ◽

Study Investigator ◽

Research Grant

Abstract Background Molnupiravir (MOV, MK-4482, EIDD-2801) is an orally administered prodrug of N-hydroxycytidine (NHC, EIDD-1931), a nucleoside with broad antiviral activity against a range of RNA viruses. MOV acts by driving viral error catastrophe following its incorporation by the viral RdRp into the viral genome. Given its mechanism of action, MOV activity should not be affected by substitutions in the spike protein present in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern which impact efficacy of therapeutic neutralizing antibodies and vaccine induced immunity. We characterized MOV activity against variants by assessing antiviral activity in vitro and virologic response from the Phase 2/3 clinical trials (MOVe-In, MOVe-Out) for treatment of COVID-19. Methods MOV activity against several SARS-CoV-2 variants, was evaluated in an in vitro infection assay. Antiviral potency of NHC (IC50) was determined in Vero E6 cells infected with virus at MOI ~0.1 by monitoring CPE. Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load measures in participants enrolled in MOVe-In and MOVe-Out were analyzed based on SARS-CoV-2 genotype. Sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from study participants were amplified from nasal swabs by PCR and NGS was performed on samples with viral genome RNA of >22,000 copies/ml amplified by primers covering full length genome with Ion Torrent sequencing to identify clades represented in trial participants. SARS-CoV-2 clades were assigned using clade.nextstrain.org. Results In vitro, NHC was equally effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (20I), B.1351 (20H), and P1 (20J), compared with the original WA1 (19B) isolate. In clinical trials, no discernable difference was observed in magnitude of viral response measured by change from baseline in RNA titer over time across all clades represented including 20A through 20E and 20G to 20I. No participants at the time of the study presented with 20F, 20J, or 21A. Conclusion Distribution of clades in participants in MOVe-In and MOVe-Out was representative of those circulating globally at the time of collection (Oct 2020 – Jan 2021). Both in vitro and clinical data suggest that spike protein substitutions do not impact antiviral activity of MOV and suggest its potential use for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Disclosures Jay Grobler, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Julie Strizki, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Nicholas Murgolo, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Wei Gao, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Youfang Cao, PhD, Merck & Co. (Employee) Ying Zhang, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Jiejun Du, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Manoj Nair, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support) Yaoxing Huang, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support) Yang Luo, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support) Daria Hazuda, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) David D. Ho, MD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support) David D. Ho, MD, Brii Biosciences (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; Merck (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; RenBio (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant, Founder, Other Financial or Material Support, Shareholder; WuXi Biologics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant

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Model-Informed Repurposing of Medicines for SARS-CoV-2: Extrapolation of Antiviral Activity and Dose Rationale for Paediatric Patients

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13081299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1299

Author(s):

Federico Romano ◽

Salvatore D’Agate ◽

Oscar Della Pasqua

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Safety Margin ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

Parameter Estimates ◽

Pharmacokinetic Data ◽

Dose Selection ◽

Model Based ◽

Target Exposure

Repurposing of remdesivir and other drugs with potential antiviral activity has been the basis of numerous clinical trials aimed at SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. However, expeditiously designed trials without careful consideration of dose rationale have often resulted in treatment failure and toxicity in the target patient population, which includes not only adults but also children. Here we show how paediatric regimens can be identified using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) principles to establish the target exposure and evaluate the implications of dose selection for early and late intervention. Using in vitro data describing the antiviral activity and published pharmacokinetic data for the agents of interest, we apply a model-based approach to assess the exposure range required for adequate viral clearance and eradication. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were subsequently used with clinical trial simulations to characterise the probability target attainment (PTA) associated with enhanced antiviral activity in the lungs. Our analysis shows that neither remdesivir, nor anti-malarial drugs can achieve the desirable target exposure range based on a mg/kg dosing regimen, due to a limited safety margin and high concentrations needed to ensure the required PTA. To date, there has been limited focus on suitable interventions for children affected by COVID-19. Most clinical trials have defined doses selection criteria empirically, without thorough evaluation of the PTA. The current results illustrate how model-based approaches can be used for the integration of clinical and nonclinical data, providing a robust framework for assessing the probability of pharmacological success and consequently the dose rationale for antiviral drugs for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

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In Vitro Evaluation of the Antiviral Activity of Some Mushrooms from Turkey

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms ◽

10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.2018025468 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 201-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hasan Hüseyin Doğan ◽

Sami Karagöz ◽

Rüstem Duman

Keyword(s):

Antiviral Activity ◽

In Vitro Evaluation

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Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases by Plant-Derived Products

Current Cancer Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1568009620666201120144838 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Nur Najmi Mohamad Anuar ◽

Nurul Iman Natasya Zulkafali ◽

Azizah Ugusman

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Natural Products ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Extracellular Matrix Components

: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent metallo-endopeptidase that are responsible towards the degradation, repair and remodelling of extracellular matrix components. MMPs play an important role in maintaining a normal physiological function and preventing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Natural products derived from plants have been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds, such as catechin, resveratrol and quercetin, are suggested to play an important role as MMPs inhibitors, thereby opening new insights into their applications in many fields, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This review summarises the current knowledge on plant-derived natural products with MMP-modulating activities. Most of the reviewed plant-derived products exhibit an inhibitory activity on MMPs. Amongst MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the most studied. The expression of MMPs is inhibited through respective signalling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB and PI3 kinase pathways, which contribute to the reduction in cancer cell behaviours, such as proliferation and migration. Most studies have employed in vitro models, but a limited number of animal studies and clinical trials have been conducted. Even though plant-derived products show promising results in modulating MMPs, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to support their therapeutic applications in the future.

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Preliminary Anti-Coxsackie Activity of Novel 1-[4-(5,6-dimethyl(H)- 1H(2H)-benzotriazol-1(2)-yl)phenyl]-3-alkyl(aryl)ureas

Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1573406416666191226142744 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. 677-688 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sandra Piras ◽

Paola Corona ◽

Roberta Ibba ◽

Federico Riu ◽

Gabriele Murineddu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Disease ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Immunocompromised Patients ◽

Human Pathogen ◽

Alkyl Aryl ◽

Dna Viruses ◽

Coxsackievirus B ◽

Selective Activity

Background: Coxsackievirus infections are associated with cases of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, and some chronic disease. Methods: A series of benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1(2)-yl derivatives (here named benzotriazol-1(2)-yl) (4a-i, 5a-h, 6a-e, g, i, j and 7a-f, h-j) were designed, synthesized and in vitro evaluated for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against two important human enteroviruses (HEVs) members of the Picornaviridae family [Coxsackievirus B 5 (CVB-5) and Poliovirus 1 (Sb-1)]. Results: Compounds 4c (CC50 >100 μM; EC50 = 9 μM), 5g (CC50 >100 μM; EC50 = 8 μM), and 6a (CC50 >100 μM; EC50 = 10 μM) were found active against CVB-5. With the aim of evaluating the selectivity of action of this class of compounds, a wide spectrum of RNA (positive- and negativesense), double-stranded (dsRNA) or DNA viruses were also assayed. For none of them, significant antiviral activity was determined. Conclusion: These results point towards a selective activity against CVB-5, an important human pathogen that causes both acute and chronic diseases in infants, young children, and immunocompromised patients.

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Targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase for treatment of advanced solid cancers: antibody–drug conjugates as lead drug candidates for clinical trials

Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology ◽

10.1177/1758835920920069 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 175883592092006

Author(s):

Hang-Ping Yao ◽

Sreedhar Reddy Suthe ◽

Xiang-Min Tong ◽

Ming-Hai Wang

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Tyrosine Kinase ◽

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ◽

Targeted Therapeutics ◽

Antibody Drug Conjugates ◽

Drug Candidates ◽

Drug Conjugates ◽

Ron Receptor ◽

Antibody Drug

The recepteur d’origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase, belonging to the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition proto-oncogene family, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers derived from the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. These findings lay the foundation for targeting RON for cancer treatment. However, development of RON-targeted therapeutics has not gained sufficient attention for the last decade. Although therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMABs) targeting RON have been validated in preclinical studies, results from clinical trials have met with limited success. This outcome diminishes pharmaceutical enthusiasm for further development of RON-targeted therapeutics. Recently, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting RON have drawn special attention owing to their increased therapeutic activity. The rationale for developing anti-RON ADCs is based on the observation that cancer cells are not sufficiently addicted to RON signaling for survival. Thus, TMAB-mediated inhibition of RON signaling is ineffective for clinical application. In contrast, anti-RON ADCs combine a target-specific antibody with potent cytotoxins for cancer cell killing. This approach not only overcomes the shortcomings in TMAB-targeted therapies but also holds the promise for advancing anti-RON ADCs into clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in the development of anti-RON ADCs for targeted cancer therapy including drug conjugation profile, pharmacokinetic properties, cytotoxic effect in vitro, efficacy in tumor models, and toxicological activities in primates.

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Development of a Mucus Gland Bioreactor in Loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22020687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 687

Author(s):

Tong Zhou ◽

Bolan Zhou ◽

Yasong Zhao ◽

Qing Li ◽

Guili Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antiviral Activity ◽

Grass Carp ◽

Single Copy ◽

Type I ◽

Western Blots ◽

Paramisgurnus Dabryanus ◽

Expression Activity ◽

Transgenic Construct ◽

Mucus Gland

Most currently available bioreactors have some defects in the expression, activity, or purification of target protein and peptide molecules, whereas the mucus gland of fish can overcome these defects to become a novel bioreactor for the biopharmaceutical industry. In this study, we have evaluated the practicability of developing a mucus gland bioreactor in loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus). A transgenic construct pT2-krt8-IFN1 was obtained by subcloning the promoter of zebrafish keratin 8 gene and the type I interferon (IFN1) cDNA of grass carp into the SB transposon. The IFN1 expressed in CIK cells exhibited an antiviral activity against the replication of GCRV873 and activated two genes downstream of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. A transgenic loach line was then generated by microinjection of the pT2-krt8-IFN1 plasmids and in vitro synthesized capped SB11 mRNA. Southern blots indicated that a single copy of IFN1 gene was stably integrated into the genome of transgenic loach. The expression of grass carp IFN1 in transgenic loaches was detected with RT-PCR and Western blots. About 0.0825 µg of grass carp IFN1 was detected in 20 µL mucus from transgenic loaches. At a viral titer of 1 × 103 PFU/mL, plaque numbers on plates containing mucus from transgenic loaches reduced by 18% in comparison with those of the control, indicating that mucus of IFN1-transgenic loaches exhibited an antiviral activity. Thus, we have successfully created a mucus gland bioreactor that has great potential for the production of various proteins and peptides.

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