Biochem Pharmacol: Experimental drugs have the potential to treat new coronavirus infections.

September 23, 2020 /--- -- A team of scientists led by Dr. Paul Dent of the Macy's Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University has discovered that an experimental cancer drug called AR-12 inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
their findings were published online today in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology.
Previously AR-12 has been extensively studied as an anti-cancer and antiviral drug, and previous studies by Dent et al. have shown that AR-12 pairs include Zika virus, mumps, measles, rubella, chikungi virus, RSV, CMV, drug-resistant HIV and influenza.
recently, collaborations with Dr. Jonathan O. Rayner of the University of Southern Alabama and Dr. Laurence Booth of Dent Labs have shown that AR-12 is equally highly lethal to SARS-CoV-2.
(Photo Source: www.pixabay.com) "Unlike any other antiviral drug, AR-12 works by inhibiting cell mate activity, which is necessary to maintain the correct 3D shape of the viral protein."
the shape of the virus protein is critical to its ability to infect and replicate.
of ar-12-inhibited cell companion proteins is GRP78, which is essential for the reproduction of all viruses.
GRP78 acts as a cell stress sensor and is necessary for the life cycle of all mammalian viruses.
Dr. Andrew Poklepovic, a medical oncologist, is working to translate these findings into clinical trials.
"AR-12 is an oral therapy that has been well toned in previous clinical trials, so we know it's safe and toned," said Poklepovic, a professor of medicine.
most COVID-19 drugs are administered intravenously, so this will be a unique treatment option and may be suitable for outpatient treatment.
" Poklepovic hopes to start recruiting patients in early 2021.
the team must develop a clinical trial plan and obtain FDA approval to test AR-12 on COVID-19 patients and manufacture enough drugs to be tested.
To help reach these important milestones and continue this research at a faster pace, we turned to Macy's colleague Sebti, who has extensive experience in drug development," said
Poklepovic.
are working hard to provide the information we need for FDA approval, and we are in discussions with a local pharmaceutical company to produce drugs for trial use," Sebti said.
hope that AR-12 will be a treatment option for COVID-19 patients, ultimately saving lives and contributing to the global pandemic solution.
Bioon.com Source: Study show the agency drug AR-12 can be atatatata COVID-19 treatment Original source: Jonathan O. Rayner et al. AR12 (OSU-03012) suppresses GRP78 expression and res SARS-CoV-2 replication, Biochem Pharmacicalology (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114227.