Comparative analysis of antiviral efficacy of FDA-approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cells

J Med Virol. 2021 Mar;93(3):1403-1408. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26397. Epub 2020 Aug 16.

Abstract

Drug repositioning represents an effective way to control the current COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, we identified 24 FDA-approved drugs which exhibited substantial antiviral effect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Vero cells. Since antiviral efficacy could be altered in different cell lines, we developed an antiviral screening assay with human lung cells, which is more appropriate than Vero cell. The comparative analysis of antiviral activities revealed that nafamostat is the most potent drug in human lung cells (IC50 = 0.0022 µM).

Keywords: COVID-19; FDA-approved drug; SARS-CoV-2; drug repositioning.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Benzamidines
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Repositioning
  • Guanidines / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Lung
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzamidines
  • Guanidines
  • nafamostat