The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Stopping, blocking and dampening – how Aussie drugs in the pipeline could treat COVID-19

  • Written by Vasso Apostolopoulos, Professor of Immunology and Associate Provost, Research Partnerships, Victoria University

While widespread vaccination is key in our fight against COVID-19, people who are infected still need better treatment to improve their chance of survival and making a full recovery.

Early on, the world had high hopes for a range of repurposed medications which had previously been approved to treat other conditions – including hydroxychloroquine[1], remdesivir[2] and ivermectin[3] – to treat COVID-19. But the results have been disappointing.

Diseases caused by viruses are among the most difficult to treat, due to their ability to invade and repurpose infected cells. This limits the ability for drugs to directly act on the virus.

Read more: Developing antiviral drugs is not easy – here's why[4]

Yet researchers around the world are finding ways to overcome these barriers and directly target the coronavirus, including in Australia. So what’s being developed here and how do they work?

Interfering with the virus

Researchers at Queensland’s Menzies Health Institute, in collaboration with scientists from the United States, have developed a novel treatment which targets key genes of the coronavirus, stopping the virus’s ability to replicate[5].

The treatment uses an engineered particle called a small interfering RNA (si-RNA), which detects and binds to areas of the host’s genome, where the virus resides.

The si-RNA is encased in a nanoparticle to protect it as it travels through the bloodstream. It enters all cells in the host’s body, but will only act on the cells infected by the virus.

Read more: Have Australian researchers developed an effective COVID-19 treatment? Potentially, but we need to wait for human trials[6]

Studies in mice showed[7] the treatment reduced the amount of the virus in the lungs by more than 90%.

It’s unclear if the results will translate to humans, but if they do, it could potentially protect infected people from severe disease and make them less likely to transmit the illness to others.

If it is successful, the researchers estimate[8] the treatment could be available in 2023.

Enhancing our antibodies

Another strategy is to block the virus from invading all together.

A number of research teams across Australia are working on engineered antibody treatments, which hunt out and bind to the virus before it enters a cell, effectively blocking it out.

Researchers at the Garvan and Kirby institutes in New South Wales are building on research[9] developed after the 2003 SARS outbreak to create treatments using monoclonal antibodies[10]. These antibodies are generated in the lab and mimic the immune system response to infection.

Once these monoclonal antibodies are injected into an infected person, they bind to the virus and stop it from invading host cells. They also mark it for destruction by the other immune cells.

Man in shadow opens mouth to get COVID test. Monoclonal antibody treatment therapy builds on research developed after the SARS outbreak. Jerome Favre/EPA[11]

While this research is in the pre-clinical (lab testing) phase, the researchers at Garvan are already working with clinicians at the Kirby institute to identify the best antibodies and move them through to human clinical trials.

As monoclonal antibody treatments are widely used in a range of diseases, these could potentially be deployed quickly for patients with COVID-19, or to protect people who have been exposed to the virus, to stop them getting sick and becoming infectious.

Another team at the Walter and Elizabeth Hall Institute in Melbourne is harnessing unique “nanobodies”, which are significantly smaller than human antibodies, derived from the immune system of alpacas.

These nanobodies have powerful and specific binding capacity. By vaccinating the alpacas with a synthetic component of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, nanobodies targeting the virus[12] can be identified and synthesised for human use.

While these treatments are in the very early stages of development, they could prove revolutionary for all kinds of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Preventing serious lung injury

While some treatments aim to neutralise the virus, others are being developed to protect patients from the consequences of COVID-19.

One of the most severe reactions to an infection with the coronavirus is a widespread inflammatory reaction known as a “cytokine storm[13]”, causing severe damage to the lungs.

While potent anti-inflammatory drugs such as hydrocortisone can help to prevent this response, they also can have severe side-effects[14] such as bone weakening, immune system weakening, psychiatric symptoms[15] and insomnia[16].

Two health workers in PPE inject fluid into a syringe. Some researchers are developing drugs that prevent severe responses to COVID-19. Francisco Seco/AP[17]

Researchers at the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute and St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney are proposing to trial a novel stem cell therapy, in an attempt to counteract this inflammatory storm[18].

While they haven’t disclosed specifically which cells they are planning to use, human studies show[19] stem cell treatments can suppress inflammatory responses from the immune system.

The researchers are seeking approval for clinical studies and are using a stem cell that has been used in humans previously – potentially speeding the pathway to clinical use.

Read more: Could a simple pill beat COVID-19? Pfizer is giving it a go[20]

Another anti-inflammatory drug to control the damaging levels of immune response to the viral infection is being developed by Implicit Bioscience[21].

Its drug has already shown promising preliminary results in small trials for acute lung injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis[22] (AML, a rare neurological disease also known as motor neurone disease), with phase 2 trials[23] for AML due to be completed in 2021.

Two trials at major medical centres, one led by the US National Institutes of Health and the other by Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative, are now underway to test whether the drug is effective in patients with severe COVID-19[24].

Nasal sprays to stop coronavirus infecting us

Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory[25] is developing a nasal spray[26] to fight COVID-19.

These nasal sprays contain a compound designed to trigger a rapid immune response in the upper airways. This allows the immune system to destroy the virus and infected cells before serious disease can occur.

Ena Respiratory’s product, called INNA-051, has produced promising results in animal models, with up to a 96% decrease in SARS-CoV-2 virus replication[27].

The next step is to see if these results translate to humans.

Close up of a person holding a nasal spray in their hand. A nasal spray in development aims to trigger an immune response in the upper airways. Shutterstock[28]

Australia has a long history of strong performance on the world stage in research. Fortunately, this has continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, with a number of key developments and innovations as described, which show promise for translation to human clinical trials.

Developments are continuing, including research by Vasso and her team into novel re-purposed and experimental drugs aimed at stopping coronavirus replication. This is a collaboration between Victoria University and researchers from the United States and Greece, and the team hopes to be able to report on its progress soon.

Read more: I'm a lung doctor testing the blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors as a treatment for the sick – a century-old idea that could be a fast track to treatment[29]

References

  1. ^ hydroxychloroquine (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ remdesivir (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ ivermectin (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ Developing antiviral drugs is not easy – here's why (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ stopping the virus’s ability to replicate (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ Have Australian researchers developed an effective COVID-19 treatment? Potentially, but we need to wait for human trials (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ Studies in mice showed (linkinghub.elsevier.com)
  8. ^ researchers estimate (www.abc.net.au)
  9. ^ building on research (www.garvan.org.au)
  10. ^ monoclonal antibodies (www.garvan.org.au)
  11. ^ Jerome Favre/EPA (photos.aap.com.au)
  12. ^ nanobodies targeting the virus (www.wehi.edu.au)
  13. ^ cytokine storm (www.newscientist.com)
  14. ^ severe side-effects (www.healthline.com)
  15. ^ psychiatric symptoms (www.mayoclinicproceedings.org)
  16. ^ insomnia (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  17. ^ Francisco Seco/AP (photos.aap.com.au)
  18. ^ counteract this inflammatory storm (www.victorchang.edu.au)
  19. ^ human studies show (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  20. ^ Could a simple pill beat COVID-19? Pfizer is giving it a go (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ Implicit Bioscience (implicitbioscience.com)
  22. ^ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (brainfoundation.org.au)
  23. ^ phase 2 trials (clinicaltrials.gov)
  24. ^ patients with severe COVID-19 (implicitbioscience.com)
  25. ^ Ena Respiratory (enarespiratory.com)
  26. ^ nasal spray (enarespiratory.com)
  27. ^ 96% decrease in SARS-CoV-2 virus replication (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  28. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  29. ^ I'm a lung doctor testing the blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors as a treatment for the sick – a century-old idea that could be a fast track to treatment (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/stopping-blocking-and-dampening-how-aussie-drugs-in-the-pipeline-could-treat-covid-19-162349

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...

What Makes a Small Group Tour of Italy So Memorable?

Traveling to Italy is on almost every bucket list. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling canals of Venice, the country is filled with sights, flavors, and experiences ...