Repurposing of Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Virology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates urgent development of effective treatments.
• Targeting viral processes and lung-damaging symptoms is crucial in the absence of a vaccine.
• Repurposing FDA-approved drugs offers a faster route to patient treatment and clinical trials due to established safety profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the antiviral potential of over 30 approved kinase inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
• To identify kinase inhibitors with the capacity to alleviate COVID-19-related pulmonary insufficiency.
• To explore the potential for dual-purpose drugs and drug combinations for COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Assessed the potency of approved kinase inhibitors against key kinases involved in viral entry, metabolism, and reproduction.
• Evaluated inhibitors for anti-inflammatory, cytokine suppression, and antifibrotic activities to address lung damage.
• Considered pharmacokinetic properties for potential co-administration with other therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Characterized the antiviral efficacy of more than 30 approved kinase inhibitors.
• Identified inhibitors with potential to mitigate lung damage through anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic mechanisms.
• Projected certain agents as dual-purpose drugs and highlighted the feasibility of drug combinations.

Conclusions:

• Approved kinase inhibitors represent a promising avenue for COVID-19 treatment, offering both antiviral and symptom-alleviating properties.
• Drug repurposing accelerates the availability of potential COVID-19 therapies.
• Combination therapy with kinase inhibitors may enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.