Repurposing Molnupiravir for COVID-19: The Mechanisms of Antiviral Activity

Viruses

Vincent T. K. Chow¹  Sunil K. Lal²  Zheng Yao Low²  Ashley Jia Wen Yip² 

[1] Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore;School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;

关键词: COVID-19;    SARS-CoV-2;    repurposing;    repositioning;    antiviral;    Molnupiravir;   

DOI  :  10.3390/v14061345

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Molnupiravir is a β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine-5′-isopropyl ester (NHC) compound that exerts antiviral activity against various RNA viruses such as influenza, SARS, and Ebola viruses. Thus, the repurposing of Molnupiravir has gained significant attention for combatting infection with SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19. Recently, Molnupiravir was granted authorization for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults. Findings from in vitro experiments, in vivo studies and clinical trials reveal that Molnupiravir is effective against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing viral RNA mutagenesis, thereby giving rise to mutated complementary RNA strands that generate non-functional viruses. To date, the data collectively suggest that Molnupiravir possesses promising antiviral activity as well as favorable prophylactic efficacy, attributed to its effective mutagenic property of disrupting viral replication. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of Molnupiravir and highlights its clinical utility by disabling SARS-CoV-2 replication, thereby ameliorating COVID-19 severity. Despite relatively few short-term adverse effects thus far, further detailed clinical studies and long-term pharmacovigilance are needed in view of its mutagenic effects.

【 授权许可】

Unknown