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A review on possible mechanistic insights of Nitazoxanide for repurposing in COVID-19
Amit S Lokhande1, Padma V Devarajan1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract:
The global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought the world to a grinding halt. A major cause of concern is the respiratory distress associated mortality attributed to the cytokine storm. Despite myriad rapidly approved clinical trials with repurposed drugs, and time needed to develop a vaccine, accelerated search for repurposed therapeutics is still ongoing. In this review, we present Nitazoxanide a US-FDA approved antiprotozoal drug, as one such promising candidate. Nitazoxanide which is reported to exert broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various viral infections, revealed good in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays, suggesting potential for repurposing in COVID-19. Furthermore, nitazoxanide displays the potential to boost host innate immune responses and thereby tackle the life-threatening cytokine storm. Possibilities of improving lung, as well as multiple organ damage and providing value addition to COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, are other important facets of the drug. The review juxtaposes the role of nitazoxanide in fighting COVID-19 pathogenesis at multiple levels highlighting the great promise the drug exhibits. The in silico data and in vitro efficacy in cell lines confirms the promise of nitazoxanide. Several approved clinical trials world over further substantiate leveraging nitazoxanide for COVID-19 therapy.
Insights
Nitazoxanide, an antiviral drug, shows promise for treating COVID-19 by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and potentially mitigating cytokine storms. Clinical trials are underway to confirm its efficacy in patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causes significant mortality, often linked to respiratory distress and cytokine storms.
- Repurposed drugs are being investigated as rapid therapeutic options while vaccines are developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of Nitazoxanide, a US-FDA approved antiprotozoal drug, as a repurposed therapeutic for COVID-19.
- To highlight Nitazoxanide's broad-spectrum antiviral activity and its specific efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing in silico data and in vitro cell culture assays demonstrating Nitazoxanide's activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of Nitazoxanide's potential to modulate host innate immune responses and mitigate cytokine storms.
- Examination of the drug's potential benefits for lung and organ damage, and for patients with comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Nitazoxanide exhibits in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- The drug demonstrates potential to enhance host innate immunity and combat cytokine storms.
- Nitazoxanide may offer benefits in managing organ damage and comorbidities associated with COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Nitazoxanide is a promising candidate for COVID-19 repurposing, showing efficacy at multiple levels of pathogenesis.
- In silico and in vitro data support Nitazoxanide's therapeutic potential.
- Ongoing clinical trials worldwide will further validate its use in COVID-19 therapy.
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