Tilorone, a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral for Emerging Viruses
Sean Ekins, Peter B. Madrid
Abstract
Tilorone is a 50-year-old synthetic small-molecule compound with antiviral activity that is proposed to induce interferon after oral administration. This drug is used as a broad-spectrum antiviral in several countries of the Russian Federation. We have recently described activity in vitro and in vivo against the Ebola virus. After a broad screening of additional viruses, we now describe in vitro activity against Chikungunya virus (CHIK) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Topics & Concepts
VirologyBroad spectrumChikungunyaVirusEbola virusAntiviral drugMiddle East respiratory syndrome coronavirusIn vivoBiologyIn vitroCoronavirusInterferonCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MedicineChemistryInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseBiotechnologyBiochemistryPathologyCombinatorial chemistrySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchInfluenza Virus Research Studiesinterferon and immune responses