There is still a need for developing more potent and broadly neutralizing vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 with improved durability. At the recent ESCMID meeting, Astrazeneca plc presented a new mRNA vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that encodes for self-assembling virus-like particle (VLP) antigens.
Tocris Cookson Ltd., Helmholtz Zentrum fur Infektionsforschung GmbH and University of Lübeck have described proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) comprising cereblon (CRBN) ligands covalently bonded to non-structural protein 3 (nsp3; PL-PRO) (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 virus) targeting moiety through linker reported to be useful for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).
Researchers from State University of New Jersey (Rutgers) and Oklahoma State University have published preclinical data for a novel a SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) inhibitor being developed as an antiviral candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.
Regulatory snapshots, including global drug submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations: Asklepios, Bayer, Imunon and Lumicell.
In a study from the PHOSP-COVID and ISARIC-4C consortia in the U.K., researchers have discovered inflammatory processes taking place during what is termed “long COVID.” Long COVID is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the continuation or development of new symptoms for 3 or more months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is estimated that 1 in 10 SARS-CoV-2 infections results in long COVID, thus affecting about 65 million people worldwide.
SARS-CoV-2 could proliferate in the lungs causing severe COVID-19 through a special type of immune cell. A group of scientists from Stanford University observed how this coronavirus infected interstitial macrophages through a CD209 receptor, triggering the inflammatory response observed in hospitalized patients.
Merck & Co. has revealed the discovery of novel oral SARS-CoV-2 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro; Mpro) inhibitors for the potential treatment and/or prophylaxis of COVID-19. 3CLpro plays a key role in viral life cycle by cleaving viral protein and helps in replication and infection, which make 3CLpro a target for designing drugs to treat COVID-19.
The research on novel vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 with improved characteristics continues. These ideal features include rapid development to target variants of concern, easy manufacturing, and an excellent safety profile while inducing humoral and cellular immune responses.
Macquarie University has identified 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro; Mpro; nsp5) (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 virus) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).
