Molnupiravir Inhibits Replication of the Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in a Hamster Infection Model. (9th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdelnabi, Rana; Foo, Caroline S; De Jonghe, Steven; Maes, Piet; Weynand, Birgit; Neyts, Johan
• Is Part Of: Journal of infectious diseases. Volume 224:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 749
• Page End: 753
• Publication Date: 2021-07-09
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- antivirals -- molnupiravir -- VoC -- hamsters -- coronavirus -- B.1.351; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Diseases -- Causes and theories of causation -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1899

Abstract

Abstract: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) has exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently available monoclonal antibodies and vaccines appear to have reduced efficacy against some of these VoCs. Antivirals targeting conserved proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are unlikely to be affected by mutations arising in VoCs and should therefore be effective against emerging variants. We here investigate the efficacy of molnupiravir, currently in phase 2 clinical trials, in hamsters infected with Wuhan strain or B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants. Molnupiravir proved to be effective against infections with each of the variants and therefore may have potential combating current and future emerging VoCs.