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Open Source Repurposing Reveals Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of Diphenylureas
Ulrich A K Betz1, Robert Garces2, Norbert Beier1
1Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany.
Viruses
|March 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers discovered diphenylurea compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activity against viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and dengue. These findings highlight potential new treatments and the success of open innovation in drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Drug Discovery
- Global Health
Background:
- Emerging viral diseases pose a significant global health threat.
- Antiviral therapies are crucial for managing and preventing viral infections.
- A broad-spectrum antiviral compound repository is needed for pandemic preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activity using open innovation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of identified compounds against various viral families.
- To assess the potential of diphenylureas as antivirals for emerging infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Employed an open innovation crowd-sourcing approach to discover antiviral compounds.
- Screened compounds against multiple viruses including SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, dengue, herpes, and influenza.
- Utilized a human stem cell-based airway epithelium model and a murine infection model for in vitro and in vivo testing.
Main Results:
- Identified a class of diphenylurea compounds exhibiting in vitro antiviral activity against multiple viruses.
- Compound 4 showed significant activity against dengue virus.
- Diphenylureas demonstrated activity against SARS-CoV-2 in both a human airway model and a mouse model.
Conclusions:
- Diphenylurea compounds show promise as broad-spectrum antivirals.
- Open innovation, crowd-sourcing, and drug repurposing are effective strategies for identifying novel therapeutics.
- These findings contribute to preparedness for future viral pandemic threats.
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