Antiviral and immunomodulatory effect of zapnometinib in animal models and hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Abstract
Introduction In severe COVID-19, direct-acting antiviral drugs were not effective in hyperinflammatory stages and steroid treatment may weaken host immunity. The MEK inhibitor zapnometinib, as a host-targeting drug, has demonstrated promising efficacy against severe acute viral infections. Proof-of-concept for the innovative approach was presented in a clinical Phase 2 trial with hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods The antiviral and immunomodulatory potential of zapnometinib was investigated in samples obtained from COVID-19 patients enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial (RESPIRE), as well as in a SARS-CoV-2 Syrian hamster model, an acute lung injury mouse model, and in cell culture. The antiviral activity of zapnometinib was assessed using viral load reduction assays and RT-qPCR. Cytokines and chemokines were analyzed via ELISA and RT-qPCR. Alterations in T and B cells from COVID-19 patients were analyzed using flow cytometry. Biomarker analysis in hamster serum was conducted to monitor potential toxic effects. Results Zapnometinib reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, in the hamster model and in various highly pathogenic coronaviruses in vitro. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines decreased in COVID-19 patients, in a lung injury mouse model, and in vitro in primary human blood cells treated with zapnometinib. In the hamster model, zapnometinib alleviated SARS-CoV-2-mediated lung pathology. In patients with COVID-19, zapnometinib increased…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 19 participants or records.
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