Combined Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir Treatment Improves the Inhibitory Effect on SARS-CoV-2 in Rhesus Macaques.

ABSTRACT: The periodic emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with unpredictable clinical severity and ability to escape preexisting immunity emphasizes the continued need for antiviral interventions. Two small molecule inhibitors, molnupiravir (MK-4482), a nucleoside analog, and nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332), a 3C-like protease inhibitor, have each recently been approved as monotherapy for use in high risk COVID-19 patients. As preclinical data are only available for rodent and ferret models, we originally assessed the efficacy of MK-4482 and PF-07321332 alone and then in combination Against infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC in the rhesus macaque COVID-19 model. Notably, use of MK-4482 and PF-07321332 in combination improved the individual inhibitory effect of both drugs. Combined tr

SUBMITTER: Rosenke K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9580379 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature