Two common antidepressant and antifungal drugs were very effective at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a new study.
Two common antidepressant and antifungal drugs were very effective at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a new study.
Researchers found that the antifungal itraconazole (Sporanox, other brand names) and the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), in combination with the antiviral drug remdesivir, inhibited the production of SARS-CoV-2 by more than 90%.
Related: Merck’s experimental drug shows quick reduction in SARS-CoV-2
The study was published April 6 in. the British Journal of Pharmacology.
Researchers tested the antiviral potential of itraconazole and fluoxetine on the production of infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 particles — alone and in combination with remdesivir — using a cell culture model in the lab.
Related: FDA authorizes new COVID-19 treatment, more vaccine doses on the way
Importantly, both the itraconazole–remdesivir and fluoxetine–remdesivir combinations displayed synergistic effects, as determined in commonly used reference models for drug interaction, wrote senior author Ursula Rescher, PhD, with the University of Muenster, Germany, and colleagues.
“Itraconazole–remdesivir and fluoxetine–remdesivir combinations are promising starting points for therapeutic options to control SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and severe progression of COVID‐19,” they wrote.
Read more: FDA okays first combo COVID-19 and flu test
FDA Advisory Committee Votes Down Sotagliflozin in Type 1 Diabetes and CKD
November 1st 2024Committee members said there was uncertainty around sotagliflozin in patients with kidney disease. The FDA is currently reviewing the oral therapy as an adjunct to insulin to help control glycemic levels in adults with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The agency’s goal date is Dec. 20, 2024.
Read More
ICER Gives Cell Therapy for Post-Transplant Complications High Rating
Published: October 31st 2024 | Updated: October 31st 2024ICER has given tabelecleucel a rating of A, indicating the T cell therapy for Epstein-Barr virus related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease has a high certainty of substantial net health benefit and would be cost-effective if priced between $143,900 and $273,700.
Read More