Lack of antiviral activity of darunavir against SARS-CoV-2. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Meyer, Sandra; Bojkova, Denisa; Cinatl, Jindrich; Van Damme, Ellen; Buyck, Christophe; Van Loock, Marnix; Woodfall, Brian; Ciesek, Sandra
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 97(2020)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Darunavir -- SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- In vitro; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Darunavir showed no in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (EC50 > 100 μM). Remdesivir demonstrated potent antiviral activity, confirming validity of the assay. Overall, the data do not support use of darunavir for treatment of COVID-19. Abstract: Objectives: Given the high need and the absence of specific antivirals for treatment of COVID-19 (the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors are being considered as therapeutic alternatives. Methods: Prezcobix/Rezolsta is a fixed-dose combination of 800 mg of the HIV protease inhibitor darunavir (DRV) and 150 mg cobicistat, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, which is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection. There are currently no definitive data on the safety and efficacy of DRV/cobicistat for the treatment of COVID-19. The in vitro antiviral activity of darunavir against a clinical isolate from a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 was assessed. Results: DRV showed no antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 at clinically relevant concentrations (EC50 > 100 μM). Remdesivir, used as a positive control, demonstrated potent antiviral activity (EC50 = 0.38 μM). Conclusions: Overall, the data do not support the use of DRV for the treatment of COVID-19.