A recent study published in the Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics journal described different inhalation therapeutic agents for treating respiratory viral infections like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge to people in terms of both treatment and prevention. Scientists were unable to provide prompt therapy or protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections despite advances in the medical field. A number of medications, including antivirals, were administered to patients to lower mortality and morbidity rates.
Review: Treatment of respiratory viral infections through inhalation therapeutics: Challenges and opportunities. Image Credit:Jan Schneckenhaus/ Shutterstock
Scientists face several challenges in developing antivirals that kill viruses without causing harm to hosts. In the present study, researchers reviewed inhalable antiviral formulations against SARS-CoV-2 and significant clinical study outcomes.
Worldwide, viruses cause numerous deaths and life-threatening diseases, but there are very few antivirals available for treatment. In contrast to bacterial infections, viral pathogens need the host protein to operate and live inside the host cells, making them challenging targets for antivirals. Ensuring that the drug does not harm the hosts while acting against viruses is the main difficulty facing antivirals. Antiviral drug resistance is another factor in which pathogens make minute adjustments to their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins, thus rendering them resistant to the medication.
Ribavirin, a purine nucleoside analog developed synthetically, has antiviral properties. It is now utilized to treat viral hemorrhagic fevers, hepatitis C virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk newborns because of its broad spectrum of activity against DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses in vitro and in vivo. Ribavirin has demonstrated ineffectiveness against naturally occurring influenza infections in people when administered systemically. This might result from the liver's quick metabolism of ribavirin, which concentrates in erythrocytes. Aerosol delivery of the drug effectively combated these issues. In contrast to oral ribavirin, which results in hemolytic anemia, ribavirin administered as an aerosol is efficient and safe in newborns and adults.
An oral neuraminidase inhibitor called oseltamivir phosphate is used to treat influenza A and B and prevent the flu after exposure. Oseltamivir phosphate (OP) oral therapy is linked to gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and adverse effects on the central nervous system like vertigo, exhaustion, headache, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Post-marketing surveillance has been linked to thrombocytopenia, hepatic issues, and skin rashes.
The safety of OP-DPI on lung cells was demonstrated by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay that employed Calu-3 cells originating from bronchial cancer. Due to this discovery, inhalation OP treatment was found to be more efficient and practical than oral OP treatment. However, the poor advantage of OP nebulization is confirmed by the fact that only 2% of OP prodrugs are pre-systematically transformed into the active form.
A transition state analog of N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) called zanamivir prevents influenza virus neuraminidase from functioning, interfering with the de-aggregation and release of viral progeny and interrupting the viral replication cycle. Because zanamivir has a low oral bioavailability of less than 5%, intranasal and dry powder inhalation delivery is a suitable and efficient method.
It is authorized for use as an aerosol inhalation in treating influenza A and B infection in adults and pediatric patients older than seven years old who have had no more than two days of symptoms. For prophylaxis purposes, it is also allowed for use in adults and pediatric patients older than five years old.
A neuraminidase inhibitor called laninamivir octanoate (CS-8958) is used to treat and prevent influenza A and B viruses. It is administered as a once-daily dose of 40 mg for adults and 20 mg for children younger than 10 in the form of dry powder inhalation. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of laninamivir against the majority of influenza neuraminidases is higher than the active form of laninamivir that is retained in the airways. Only 15% of the medication is absorbed systemically after inhalation. Laninamivir, along with its prodrug, laninamivir octanoate, has demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against various influenza viruses, including seasonal H1N1, pandemic H1N1, H3N2, and influenza viruses.
Glycoproteins called interferons are members of the cytokine family and are created and released by various cells in response to an inflammatory response to a viral infection. It is used to prevent viral infections, particularly viral infections of the respiratory system, such as rhinovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and coronavirus, due to its broad antiviral efficacy. The use of 500 g of aerosolized recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-) over the course of 12 days has been found to be safe and well tolerated. Additionally, inhaled rIFN- can be well tolerated even at greater dosages in contrast to the subcutaneous method, which results in adverse side effects.
Overall, the study findings provided information on antiviral medications that can be administered as aerosols. The development of inhalable dosage forms has been studied in many ways. However, very few preclinical and clinical research have been carried out. This is concerning because there is a lack of data on the safety or efficacy available of inhalable antivirals.
See the article here:
Inhalation therapeutics against COVID-19 - News-Medical.Net
- The Health Department website was attacked in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Defining Coronavirus Symptoms: From Mild To Moderate To Severe : Goats and Soda - NPR [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- What Are the Symptoms of a Coronavirus Infection? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Hotels Were Rolling Out Tools to Help Calm Travelers. Then Coronavirus Hit. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- The Coronavirus, by the Numbers - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Opinion: Early Coronavirus Testing Failures Will Cost Lives - NPR [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Cases Surge in U.S. and Europe - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Two Emergency Room Doctors Are in Critical Condition With Coronavirus - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus: Over 1000 Cases Now In U.S., And 'It's Going To Get Worse,' Fauci Says - NPR [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- China Spins Tale That the U.S. Army Started the Coronavirus Epidemic - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Everything to Know About the Coronavirus in the United States - The Cut [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus closed this school. The kids have special needs: 'You can't Netflix them all day.' - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- How Long Can The Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? : Shots - Health News - NPR [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Cost to Businesses and Workers: It Has All Gone to Hell - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- In the U.S., More Than 300 Coronavirus Cases Are Confirmed - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- How Jair Bolsonaro's Son, Eduardo, Confirmed His Father's Positive Coronavirus Test to Fox News, Then Lied About It - The Intercept [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- De Blasio Resisted on Coronavirus. Then Aides Said Theyd Quit. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Trump Is Tested for Coronavirus, and Experts Ask: What Took So Long? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Live Coronavirus Updates and Coverage - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Threatens Americans With Underlying Conditions - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Capitalism and How to Beat It - The Intercept [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- An essential reading guide to understand the coronavirus - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- N.Y.C.s Economy Could be Ravaged by Coronavirus Outbreak - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- 'A ticking time bomb': Scientists worry about coronavirus spread in Africa - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- How coronavirus is affecting the restaurant business, in one chart - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Map: How To Track Coronavirus Spread Across The Globe - Forbes [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Testing Website Goes Live and Quickly Hits Capacity - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Map: How Many Cases Of Coronavirus Are There In Each US State? : Shots - Health News - NPR [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Live Coronavirus Updates and Coverage Globally - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- This Is How the Coronavirus Will Destroy the Economy - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Every Star and Public Figure Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Running List - The Daily Beast [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus: What you need to know - Fox News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Travel updates: which countries have coronavirus restrictions and FCO warnings in place? - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Staff angered as Charter prohibits working from home despite spread of coronavirus - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- If coronavirus scares you, read this to take control over your health anxiety - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- San Francisco and Bay Area will shelter in place to slow coronavirus spread - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus spreading fastest in UK in London - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Businesses Face a New Coronavirus Threat: Shrinking Access to Credit - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Welcome to Marriage During the Coronavirus - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Sweeping restrictions take effect in coronavirus response as health officials warn US is at a tipping point - CNN [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- How Long Will the Coronavirus Outbreak and Shutdown Last? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- 201920 coronavirus pandemic - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus - World Health Organization [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- What Is Coronavirus? | HowStuffWorks [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus | CISA [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Is there a cure for the new coronavirus? - Livescience.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Shelter in Place: Some Residents in Bay Area Ordered to Stay Home - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Tracking the Impact of the Coronavirus on the U.S. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- 8 Things Parents Should Know About The Coronavirus: Life Kit - NPR [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Spain, on Lockdown, Weighs Liberties Against Containing Coronavirus - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- New Yorks Nightlife Shuttered to Curb Coronavirus - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- How best to fight the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Heres whos most at risk from the novel coronavirus - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Closing Down the Schools Over Coronavirus - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- The U.S. Economy Cant Withstand the Coronavirus by Itself - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- U.S. Lags in Coronavirus Testing After Slow Response to Outbreak - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- U.K. Steps Up Coronavirus Prevention, But Its Hospitals Have Already Been Strained - NPR [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus panic is clearing out grocery stores; heres how workers are handling it - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Tracking the Coronavirus: How Crowded Asian Cities Tackled an Epidemic - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Treatment: Hundreds of Scientists Scramble to Find One - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus cases have dropped sharply in South Korea. What's the secret to its success? - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Facebook was marking legitimate news articles about the coronavirus as spam due to a software bug - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- The Single Most Important Lesson From the 1918 Influenza - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- How to Protect Older People From the Coronavirus - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Is Killing Iranians. So Are Trump's Brutal Sanctions. - The Intercept [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Is there a cure for coronavirus? Why Covid-19 is so hard to treat - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Coronavirus: The math behind why we need social distancing, starting right now - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Europeans Erect Borders Against Coronavirus, but the Enemy Is Already Within - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Some of the last people on earth to hear about the coronavirus pandemic are going to be told on live TV - CNN [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Why the US is still struggling to test for the coronavirus - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- The Coronavirus Is Here to Stay, So What Happens Next? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Coronavirus in the U.S. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Watch the Footprint of Coronavirus Spread Across Countries - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Why the Covid-19 coronavirus is worse than the flu, in one chart - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2020]
- Fact-Checking 5 Trump Administration Claims On The Coronavirus Pandemic - NPR [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2020]
- Trump has scoreboard obsession. It hasnt worked with coronavirus - POLITICO [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2020]
- Here's What Is In The 'Families First' Coronavirus Aid Package Trump Approved - NPR [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2020]
- Young Adults Come to Grips With Coronavirus Health Risks - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2020]
- Which Country Has Flattened the Curve for the Coronavirus? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2020]