Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 10, 2025 6 hours, 8 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists Discover Promising Drug Candidates for Fighting Multiple Viral Infections
A team of international researchers has identified a new class of chemical compounds known as diphenylureas that demonstrate antiviral activity against multiple dangerous viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus, influenza, herpes, and adenovirus. This groundbreaking discovery could lead to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral medications that may be crucial in combating emerging infectious diseases.
New Research Uncovers Broad Spectrum Antiviral Potential of Diphenylureas
The study was conducted by scientists from Merck KGaA in Germany, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute in the United States, The Scripps Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, and Umeå University in Sweden. Their findings highlight the potential of repurposing existing pharmaceutical compounds for new medical applications.
A New Approach to Antiviral Drug Discovery
Current antiviral treatments are often limited in scope, designed to target specific viruses rather than providing broad-spectrum protection. This
Medical News report reveals how researchers explored a new strategy to develop antivirals capable of combating multiple viruses. The scientists leveraged an open innovation approach by screening a collection of previously developed but deprioritized drug candidates. This method allowed them to identify compounds that had unexpected antiviral properties.
Through extensive laboratory testing, they found that a specific diphenylurea compound, referred to as Compound 4, exhibited strong antiviral effects against several viruses. It was particularly effective against the dengue virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen responsible for millions of infections worldwide.
Key Findings of the Study
The study involved rigorous testing in both laboratory and animal models to evaluate the effectiveness of diphenylureas in inhibiting viral replication. The main discoveries include:
-Broad-Spectrum Activity: Compound 4 effectively inhibited viral replication in multiple cell-based models. It showed significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), dengue virus, adenovirus, influenza, and herpes simplex virus (HSV-2).
-Exceptional Potency Against Dengue Virus: Among all the viruses tested, Compound 4 was most effective against dengue virus, achieving an IC50 value of just 0.012 µM, meaning it required only a tiny concentration to significantly reduce viral activity. This is crucial as there are currently no approved antiviral treatments for dengue.
-Efficacy in Advanced Human Cell Models: The compound was tested in a primary human mucociliary airway model, which mimics real human lung tissue. The results confirmed its ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication.
-Animal Model Success:
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When tested in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, oral administration of Compound 4 protected mice from severe disease. Mice treated with the drug had significantly lower viral loads in their lungs and exhibited higher survival rates compared to untreated mice.
-Potential Mechanism of Action: Researchers found that Compound 4 interferes with key cellular processes that viruses exploit for replication. It was shown to inhibit several important enzymes (kinases) involved in viral growth, including TIE-2, MAPK14, MAPK11, and CDK8. This suggests that the compound does not directly target viruses but instead blocks essential pathways that viruses need to replicate, making it harder for them to develop resistance.
The Significance of This Discovery
The implications of this research are far-reaching. The ability to develop a broad-spectrum antiviral medication could revolutionize how we respond to future viral outbreaks. Instead of scrambling to create new drugs for each emerging virus, a single medication could be used to provide immediate treatment and reduce the severity of infections.
The study also reinforces the value of repurposing existing drug candidates.
Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions possess extensive libraries of compounds that were initially developed for other purposes but could have hidden potential in fighting infectious diseases. By leveraging these resources, scientists can accelerate drug development and bring effective treatments to patients more quickly.
Next Steps in Research
While the initial findings are promising, more research is needed before Compound 4 can be considered for human use. Key next steps include:
-Further testing in animal models to assess long-term safety and efficacy.
-Clinical trials to determine how well the compound performs in humans.
-Optimization of the compound to improve its stability, bioavailability, and effectiveness.
-Exploring other potential viruses that may be susceptible to diphenylureas.
Conclusion
The discovery of diphenylureas as potential broad-spectrum antivirals represents a significant step forward in global health preparedness. By targeting multiple viruses with a single drug, researchers hope to provide a new tool in the fight against infectious diseases. The success of Compound 4 in laboratory and animal models suggests that it may one day become a valuable weapon in preventing and treating viral outbreaks.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Viruses.
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/385
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