Inserm researchers have shown the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of remdesivir and diltiazem against Covid-19 and hope to be able to quickly launch clinical trials.
- The researchers reconstructed in vitro models as close as possible to human physiology to understand the effects of the treatment combining remdesivir and diltiazem.
- By stimulating the innate immune response of the epithelia, diltiazem potentiates the effect of remdesivir, which has antiviral activity against RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Alongside the search for a vaccine against Covid-19, the search for a treatment to treat infected patients is gaining ground. A team of Inserm researchers has shown the laboratory effectiveness of a combination of the molecule remdesivir with the antihypertensive drug diltiazem to treat patients infected with Covid-19. They published their results on July 21 in the journal Cell Reports Medicine and hope to be able to quickly launch clinical trials.
In vitro reconstitution
To test the effectiveness of the treatment based on these two molecules, the researchers developed experimental models of viral infections. They reconstructed in vitro, models as close as possible to human physiology to understand the effects of this treatment. Specifically, they reconstituted human respiratory epithelia of nasal and bronchial origin. “We have been using these preclinical models of infection for several years, which are very predictive of infection. in vivo”, assures Manuel Rosa Calatrava who led the team of researchers.
The scientists also developed protocols for quantifying the viral genome and infectious particles in order to better understand how the virus acts in its host. “We observe in particular in our models infected by the virus the induction of the production of interleukins Il6 which is one of the markers of severity of the disease.”, specifies the researcher.
Significant reduction in viral load
The results of these studies have shown that it is the combination of remdesivir and diltiazem that allows the treatment to be effective against Covid-19. Remdesivir has the advantage of having antiviral activity against RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Diltiazem, used in particular against angina pectoris, stimulates the innate endogenous antiviral immune response, in particular against pneumoviruses.
By coupling the two molecules, the viral load in the infected person is significantly reduced. “By stimulating the innate immune response of the epithelia, diltiazem potentiates the effect of remdesivir and offers the opportunity to reduce the doses. Remdesivir does indeed have some toxicity live besides being a very expensive drug”, concludes Manuel Rosa-Calatrava. The latter and her team will continue preclinical trials and hope to launch a clinical trial this winter if the effectiveness of the treatment is confirmed.
.
