A Vimentin-Targeting Oral Compound with Host-Directed Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Actions Addresses Multiple Features of COVID-19 and Related Diseases
Zhizhen Li, Jianping Wu, Ji Zhou, Baoshi Yuan, Jiqiao Chen, Wan-Chen Wu, Lian Mo, Zhipeng Qu, Fei Zhou, Yingying Dong, Kai Huang, Zhiwei Liu, Tao Wang, Deebie Symmes, Jingliang Gu, Eiketsu Sho, Jing‐Ping Zhang, Ruihuan Chen, Ying Xu
Abstract
With the Delta variant currently fueling a resurgence of new infections in the fully vaccinated population, developing an effective therapeutic drug is especially critical and urgent in fighting COVID-19. In contrast to the many efforts to repurpose existing drugs or address only one aspect of COVID-19, we are developing a novel agent with first-in-class mechanisms of action that address both the viral infection and the overactive immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. Unlike virus-directed therapeutics that may lose efficacy due to viral mutations, and immunosuppressants that require ideal timing to be effective, this agent, with its unique host-directed antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions, can work against all variants of the virus, be effective during all stages of the disease, and even resolve post-disease damage and complications. Further development of the compound will provide an important tool in the fight against COVID-19 and its complications, as well as future outbreaks of new viruses.