Overview
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are viral respiratory diseases caused by novel coronavirus strains (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively). Categorized as a select agent in 2012, approximately 9,000 cases of SARS have been reported, with 9.5% mortality rate. To date, there have been 1,917 reported cases of MERS with a 35% fatality rate. In response to the growing urgency for therapeutic interventions, UMB researchers screened 290 drugs for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV and/or MERS-CoV. Pharmacological classes of compounds were identified as showing antiviral activity against either or both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, with no or low toxicity. These pharmacological classes include neurotransmitter inhibitors, kinase signaling inhibitors, estrogen receptor inhibitors, DNA metabolism inhibitors, and anti-parasitic agents.
The neurotransmitter inhibitors, kinase signaling inhibitors, estrogen receptor inhibitors, DNA metabolism inhibitors, and anti-parasitic agents shown in the figure, alone or in combination with the antiviral drugs shown in the same figure, can have a therapeutic effect against SARS and MERS as measured by in vitro antiviral activity assays and in in vivo rodent and non-human primate models of Coronavirus infection.
Applications
These methods of treatment bring the field closer to adressing these emerging infections. The identification of these pharmaceutical classes of drugs with antiviral activity against Coronavirus may encourage and expedite the development of therapeutics for Coronaviral infections. Their diverse mechanisms of action can also help identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies not only against Coronaviruses, but potentially against viruses with similar pathogenesis.
Advantages
Identified novel pharmacological classes with antiviral activity against Coronavirus
Stage of Development
This technology has been tested in vitro and in vivo in rodent and non-human primate models of SARS and/or MERS Coronaviral infection.
(As of 5/2/17)- MEW
Licensing Potential
Available for licensing
Available for sponsored research
Contact Info
Office of Technology Transfer
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Email: [email protected]
Phone: (410) 706-2380