Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos
00:07

Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: August 25, 2019

10.7K

Identification of side effects of COVID-19 drug candidates on embryogenesis using an integrated zebrafish screening

Alexander Ernst1, Indre Piragyte1,2, Ayisha Marwa Mp1,2

  • 1Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

Scientific Reports
|October 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Zebrafish embryos revealed developmental defects in cardiovascular function and embryo activity from COVID-19 drugs like Remdesivir and Molnupiravir. However, these drugs also counteracted inflammatory gene expression induced by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Drug repurposing for COVID-19 treatment is crucial, but potential embryogenesis effects of approved drugs are often unexamined, limiting use during pregnancy.
  • Understanding the impact of COVID-19 therapeutics on embryonic development is essential for safe clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of 162 marketed drugs, including COVID-19 treatments, on zebrafish embryo cardiovascular development.
  • To assess the utility of zebrafish embryos as a model for studying the immune-modulating properties and developmental side effects of COVID-19 compounds.

Main Methods:

  • Screened 162 marketed drugs for effects on zebrafish embryo cardiovascular development and overall activity.
  • Investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of selected COVID-19 drugs against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced gene expression in zebrafish.
  • Utilized a web interface for data visualization and analysis of observed phenotypic effects.

Main Results:

  • Remdesivir, Ritonavir, Molnupiravir, and Baricitinib exhibited varying degrees of cardiovascular dysfunction and/or reduced embryo activity at clinically relevant doses.
  • Sabizabulin demonstrated high toxicity and significant mortality at concentrations near its maximum observed concentration (Cmax).
  • Remdesivir, Ritonavir, Molnupiravir, Baricitinib, and Sabizabulin effectively counteracted inflammatory gene expression triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Conclusions:

  • Zebrafish embryos serve as a valuable model for assessing both the developmental toxicity and immunomodulatory potential of COVID-19 drugs.
  • The study highlights the necessity of evaluating secondary embryogenesis defects for drugs considered for COVID-19 treatment, especially in pregnant individuals.
  • A user-friendly web platform was developed to share comprehensive data on drug effects, facilitating further research and drug screening.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: High-Throughput Toxicity Screening Using Zebrafish Embryo Startle Response Assay06:25

Author Spotlight: High-Throughput Toxicity Screening Using Zebrafish Embryo Startle Response Assay

Published on: January 12, 2024

1.5K
Small Molecule Screening and Toxicity Testing in Early-stage Zebrafish Larvae02:52

Small Molecule Screening and Toxicity Testing in Early-stage Zebrafish Larvae

Published on: March 7, 2025

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions01:25

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions

Drug interactions occur when the pharmacological effect of one drug is altered by another substance, either enhancing or diminishing its activity. The drug whose activity is altered is known as the object drug, and the substance causing the alteration is called the agent drug or the precipitant. The net effects of these interactions are mostly undesirable, leading to decreased effectiveness or increased adverse effects. In rare cases, interactions can be beneficial, such as the enhanced...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions01:26

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions

A drug interaction occurs when the concurrent use of another drug, food, or an external substance alters the pharmacological activity of a drug. This interaction can modify the action of the original drug, affecting its effectiveness and safety.Drug–food interactions are significant as they impact drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion. For example, grapefruit juice is a well-known disruptor of drug metabolism. It inhibits the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, crucial for the metabolism of many...