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Antiviral Effect of Budesonide against SARS-CoV-2

Natalie Heinen1, Toni Luise Meister1, Mara Klöhn1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany.

Viruses
|August 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled budesonide effectively inhibits Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in cells, including variants. This antiviral activity suggests budesonide may offer a new treatment option for COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Limited treatment options exist for COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2.
  • Inhaled budesonide has shown potential in reducing recovery times for mild COVID-19.
  • Glucocorticoids may possess antiviral activity against respiratory viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antiviral activity of budesonide against SARS-CoV-2.
  • To assess budesonide's efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) B.1.1.7 (alpha) and B.1.351 (beta).

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cell culture experiments were performed.
  • SARS-CoV-2 replication was measured in the presence of varying budesonide concentrations.
  • Cell viability assays were conducted to ensure safety.

Main Results:

  • Budesonide demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication.
  • Antiviral activity was consistent across all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including alpha and beta.
  • Budesonide did not affect cell viability at effective concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Budesonide exhibits significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
  • The findings suggest a potential multimodal mechanism of action for budesonide.
  • Budesonide warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19.

Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2antiviralsbudesonidecorticosteroidsvariants of concern

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