A drug used to treat gout looks promising in it’s ability in fighting coronavirus
A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia (UGA) published in in Nature’s Scientific Reports found that probenecid contains potent antivirus properties that deem the oral medication suitable to combat potentially respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Probenecid has been available on the market for more than 40 years with minimal side effects to patients.
“There’s really nothing out there to safely fight these viruses,” observed Ralph Tripp, the lead author of the study and GRA eminent Scholar of Vaccine and Therapeutic Studies in UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine via statement.
“This antiviral works for all RNA respiratory viruses we tested, including SARS-CoV-2. RSV, coronavirus and flu all circulate in the same season. Bottom line is you can potentially reduce infection and disease using this one oral drug.”
UGA found that the medication works both as a prophylactic prior to virus exposure and also as a post-exposure treatment.
Probenecid appears to block viral replication, thus preventing it from infiltrating and infecting a persons cells.
“Although the drug would primarily be used after a person is positive for the virus, the prophylactic findings mean people with known exposures could also potentially take the drug to prevent getting sick,” the university said.