A study published Monday found that the compound, called N-0385, significantly increased the chances of surviving the virus in mice. Dr. Andrea Olmstead, a research fellow at UBC’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, says the drug is different from the antivirals available today, such as Paxlovid and Remdesivir. While these drugs stop the virus from spreading, it is meant to stop the infection before it starts. “It targets a human protein that the virus needs to enter our cells. “I think of it as a lock, it locks the door on the virus,” said Olmstead. “It targets something in our nose and in the cells of our lungs that the virus needs to start the infection. “It would work very well as a precaution to block these doors, prevent the virus from entering and create an infection.” Although not yet approved for human testing, Olmstead says it is particularly promising because it has been shown to be effective against all variants in which it has been tested – up to the Delta variant. “Despite the change in the virus, this compound has continued to be effective. “One of the reasons we move forward is that the virus will continue to change,” he said. The research is published as the BA.2 variant feeds a wave of infections in some countries, raising concerns that Canada could see another wave. While Olmstead says vaccination remains critical, she also says preventative treatments like this could boost protection if and when efficacy declines. “The idea is, if you knew you were exposed or if you knew you were in a high-risk environment – let’s say you were a healthcare worker and there was a new variant we were not sure if the vaccine was very protective – then you could “Take something before you go to work and reduce the chance of developing an infection,” he continued. Research also suggests that the compound may act as a treatment for COVID-19 if used within 12 hours of infection. Mice treated with it showed lower levels of infection in their lungs and did not show as much weight loss associated with the virus.
