Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an enzyme ubiquitously expressed in all tissues whose inhibition has proven effective in preventing viral replication. Previous knowledge on DHODH inhibitor vidofludimus calcium demonstrated that this compound inhibits viral replication of DNA, RNA and retroviruses and induces innate immune responses that lead to an antiviral state thus inhibiting virus reactivation.
Researchers from Aligos Therapeutics Inc. and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven reported on the preclinical activity of ALG-097558, a novel oral available 3CL protease inhibitor with pan-coronavirus antiviral activity.
By analyzing a cohort of adolescents that developed myocarditis or pericarditis after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, researchers from Yale University School of Medicine were able to pinpoint the underlying mechanism as an overly active innate immune response to the vaccine that led to broad activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Myocarditis “has been seen in other vaccine contexts, though is most common after viral infection,” Carrie Lucas told reporters at a press conference announcing the findings.
Multivalent vaccines that could improve SARS-CoV-2 immunity while also preventing infections by other viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses, constitute an urgent public health need. Currently approved vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are based solely on the spike protein, which provides limited immunity against variations in spike.
Nanjing Zhihe Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd. has described nucleotide derivatives acting as prodrugs reported to be useful for the treatment of viral infections.
Rnaimmune Inc., a nonwholly owned subsidiary of Sirnaomics Ltd., has received clearance from the FDA for its IND application to conduct a phase I trial for RV-1730, a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster candidate.
Additional early-stage research and drug discovery news in brief, from: Dragonfly Therapeutics, Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Kura Oncology, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Tonix Pharmaceuticals.
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