Pan-SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic and therapeutic - TMPRSS2 inhibitor

[Tom.G]

It seems to interfere with the reconfiguring of the Spike protein to the active shape.

Published March 28, 2022 in Nature.

Abstract:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04661-w

Article download link (31 pgs pdf):
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04661-w_reference.pdf

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Ygggdrasil]

Note that TMPRSS2 is a human protein that has normal functions in the human body aside from being hijacked to help process the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. While there are successful antiviral drugs that target host proteins, these drugs are more likely to have side effects that could limit the use or efficacy of the drug. For example, this drug would not seem like a good candidate for long term prophylactic use, though it could potentially be used for short term prophylaxis in exposed individuals or for treatment if toxicity is not an issue. Notably, the paper (at least from reading the abstract) tests the drug only in cell culture while it would be important to test the drug in intact organisms to see if systemic administration of the drug has any negative effects from loss/reduction of TMPRSS2 function across the body.