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Amantadine Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro.
Klaus Fink1, Andreas Nitsche2, Markus Neumann2
1Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 60318 Frankfurt, Germany.
Amantadine demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, inhibiting viral replication. Topical administration may offer therapeutic benefits for COVID-19 treatment, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates the development of effective antiviral treatments against SARS-CoV-2.
- Existing repurposed antiviral drugs have not yet shown unequivocal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.
- Amantadine, an influenza A antiviral, has been suggested for SARS-CoV-2 treatment based on analogy, but lacks direct evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro efficacy of amantadine against SARS-CoV-2 replication.
- To determine the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of amantadine for SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of amantadine against SARS-CoV-2.
- Infection of Vero E6 cells with SARS-CoV-2.
- Quantification of viral replication inhibition by amantadine.
Main Results:
- Amantadine significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells.
- The determined IC50 values for amantadine ranged from 83 to 119 µM.
- Achieved concentrations are higher than typical systemic therapeutic levels.
Conclusions:
- Amantadine exhibits in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- Topical administration (inhalation or intranasal) might achieve effective airway concentrations.
- Further research is required to validate topical amantadine efficacy in relevant models for COVID-19 treatment.
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