Nitazoxanide, a new drug candidate for the treatment of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
Nitazoxanide is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent undergoing clinical development for treatment of influenza and other viral respiratory infections. Nitazoxanide exhibits in vitro activity against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other coronaviruses, inhibiting expression of the viral N protein. Nitazoxanide also suppresses production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and suppresses interleukin 6 production in mice. Having been used extensively in clinical trials and in post-marketing experience, nitazoxanide is an attractive drug candidate for treatment of Middle East respiratory syndrome. Future research should include in vitro mechanism studies, animal models of MERS-CoV infection, clinical trials, including dose-ranging trials, and evaluation of combination therapy with other potential MERS-CoV antivirals.
Romark Laboratories, L.C., Tampa, FL, United States. Electronic address: jrossignol@romark.com.
Jean-François
JF
Rossignol
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018352:Coronavirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D065207:Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles; C041747:nitazoxanide
Coronavirus; MERS-CoV; Nitazoxanide; Treatment