Homoharringtonine is highly effective against SARS-CoV-2: a potential first-line defense in future coronavirus epidemics.

ABSTRACT: As COVID-19 is the third coronavirus epidemic in this century, it would be desirable to have a treatment scheme in anticipation of a fourth one. We here present a scheme that could clear SARS-CoV-2 in 2-4 days post-infection from the upper respiratory tract (URT), where the virions are initially concentrated. The scheme, applicable on a large scale by nasal spray, is based on homoharringtonine (HHT), which has been approved for treating other diseases. HHT blocked protein elongation and repressed in vitro replication of all four coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2) that were tested at the nano-molar concentration, demonstrating its potential for broad effectiveness against coronaviruses. In animal models, HHT cleared SARS-CoV-2 in all treated mice within 3 days by daily nasal drippi

SUBMITTER: Wen HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12661574 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature