With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading around the globe, researchers have begun investigating the several drugs, including allergy and anxiety medication, that may be able to prevent the coronavirus from taking over cells in order to replicate. However, researchers tested one drug that could potentially exacerbate COVID-19 patient's conditions.
In the April 30 edition of the journal, Nature, scientists report that dextromethorphan (often found in cough medicines) stimulated the growth of SARS-CoV-2 in monkey cells in the lab environment. Dextromethorphan activated the same cellular stress-coping mechanism that the virus uses to reproduce itself. “We’re not necessarily recommending that everyone stop taking dextromethorphan,” said Brian Shoichet of the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy.
The researchers did not test humans and do not know that the cough suppressant makes COVID-19 patients worse. But, because the lab experiments show a “pro-viral” effect, it is important to do further research.
The scientists tested several drugs to see if any of them could interrupt the interaction between the coronavirus and the spike proteins found in both humans and monkeys. They discovered that an experimental compound called PB28 worked better than hydroxychloroquine at inhibiting the coronavirus by interfering with protein interactions. PB28 has not been tested in humans yet, but it does not affect proteins that control heart rhythms, so it may have fewer side effects than hydroxychloroquine.
So far, antipsychotics like haloperidol and cloperazine, as well as an anti-anxiety/depression drug called siramesine, antihistamines, and an experimental drug called zotatifin are all in clinical trials as cancer therapies, but none have been tried against COVID-19.