Novel Molecule Shows Promise Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Researchers have developed a novel molecule that has shown promise in lab tests as a potential preventive against the variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Developed by a team at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence Delhi-NCR and Paris Cité University in France, the compounds are based on indole which are ubiquitous molecules found in some amino acids and natural alkaloids. The current molecules are designed to treat the acute and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 and interfere with several stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including interacting with its cellular receptor, ACE2 and viral replication. They also have potential to treat diseases associated with other SARS-CoV-2-related viruses. The molecule has undergone in vivo studies against virulent SARS CoV-2 in Paris and no toxic limitations were recorded. There are many challenges before taking these compounds from the lab to the market, such as optimising and improving the efficacy of molecules against all targets, followed by pre-clinical animal studies and meeting with Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to initiate clinical trials.