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An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Repurposing the estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection
Marcello Allegretti1, Maria Candida Cesta2, Mara Zippoli2
1Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, L'Aquila, Italy. marcello.allegretti@dompe.com.
Abstract:
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) necessitates strategies to identify prophylactic and therapeutic drug candidates to enter rapid clinical development. This is particularly true, given the uncertainty about the endurance of the immune memory induced by both previous infections or vaccines, and given the fact that the eradication of SARS-CoV-2 might be challenging to reach, given the attack rate of the virus, which would require unusually high protection by a vaccine. Here, we show how raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, emerges as an attractive candidate entering clinical trials to test its efficacy in early-stage treatment COVID-19 patients.
Insights
Raloxifene, a drug with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, shows promise for treating early-stage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 requires new therapeutic strategies.
- Uncertainty regarding immune memory and the virus's high attack rate complicate eradication efforts.
- There is a need for effective treatments for early-stage COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential drug candidates for early-stage COVID-19 treatment.
- To evaluate raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, as a therapeutic option.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the known anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of raloxifene.
- Raloxifene is proposed as a candidate for clinical trials in COVID-19 patients.
Main Results:
- Raloxifene exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral characteristics relevant to SARS-CoV-2.
- The drug is identified as a promising candidate for clinical investigation.
Conclusions:
- Raloxifene is a potential therapeutic agent for early-stage COVID-19.
- Clinical trials are warranted to assess raloxifene's efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients.
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