Researchers develop a new drug that blocks Covid-19 variants in mice

The US researchers have developed a novel drug that not only prevents SARS-CoV-2 but can also treat another respiratory coronavirus in mice.

This research was carried out by a team led by the University of Pennsylvania. This drug activates the body's innate response and effectively prevents severe Covid symptoms, including those from the South African variant ( B1351) and also curbed their spread in mice as per the scientist.

The mice treated with this drug showed much less weight loss, significantly reduced viral load in the lungs and nostrils and increased cytokine production.

Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the varsity's Perelman School of Medicine said that this drug is a game-changer in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection and activating an early immune response therapeutically with a single dose is an assuring approach for regulating the virus, including the South African variant.

Tests conducted on Covid 19 infected mice revealed that diABZI potently restrains SARS-CoV-2 infection of diverse strains. That includes variants of concern B1351 by stimulating STING.

Additionally, human parainfluenza virus and rhinovirus replication in cultured cells can also be inhibited by diABZI.