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

SUBMITTER: Full Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12498288 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature