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RdRp inhibitors and COVID-19: Is molnupiravir a good option?
Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemian1, Mohammad Hossein Pourhanifeh2, Michael R Hamblin3
1Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors show promise for treating RNA virus infections like COVID-19. Molnupiravir, an RdRp inhibitor, is highlighted as a potential therapeutic agent for managing SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Viral genome mutations enable evasion of host immunity and antiviral therapies, leading to persistent infections.
- RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a critical enzyme for RNA virus replication and a key therapeutic target.
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates urgent development of effective antiviral treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors for RNA virus infections.
- To evaluate molnupiravir, an RdRp inhibitor, as a preventive and therapeutic agent for COVID-19.
- To highlight novel small molecule drugs for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RdRp inhibitors, including those in clinical trials.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data for molnupiravir (MK-4482, EIDD-2801).
- Analysis of regulatory interactions to expedite drug development.
Main Results:
- RdRp inhibitors, including nucleoside (NIs) and non-nucleoside (NNIs) types, offer viable treatment strategies.
- Molnupiravir, initially developed for alphavirus infections and influenza, demonstrates potential for COVID-19 management.
- Accelerated development and regulatory consultation facilitated the advancement of molnupiravir.
Conclusions:
- RdRp inhibitors represent a promising class of therapeutics against RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
- Molnupiravir is a significant small molecule candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.
- Continued research into RdRp inhibitors is crucial for combating viral pandemics.
