Bacteriophage-Derived Double-Stranded RNA Exerts Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity In Vitro and in Golden Syrian Hamsters In...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bacteriophage-derived double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a known broad-spectrum antiviral agent.
• Larifan is a well-established antiviral medication in national use.
• The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates the evaluation of existing antiviral therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antiviral efficacy of Larifan against SARS-CoV-2.
• To assess Larifan's activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assays using human lung adenocarcinoma (Calu3) and primary human small airway epithelial cells (HSAEC).
• In vivo studies utilizing a golden Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Quantification of viral RNA copy numbers and infectious virus titers.
• Histopathological examination of lung tissues.

Main Results:

• Larifan significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in Calu3 and HSAEC cells (p < 0.05).
• Intranasal administration of Larifan markedly decreased viral load and infectious virus titers in hamster lungs (p < 0.01).
• Treatment with Larifan improved lung histopathology in infected hamsters.

Conclusions:

• Larifan demonstrates significant in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
• The drug effectively reduces viral load and mitigates lung pathology in a hamster model.
• Larifan shows potential as a therapeutic agent for controlling COVID-19 in humans.