Coronavirus

Brazilian researchers find HIV meds to work against coronavirus

Trials performed by Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) showed that atazanavir, a drug used by HIV-positive patients, was able to stop coronavirus replication and reduced the production of proteins connected to lung inflammation. The results, researchers say, are more promising still when atazanavir is associated with ritonavir, another medicine used by HIV patients, while chloroquine — advertised by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as a “possible cure” for Covid-19 — had a poorer performance. 

The analysis observed the molecular interaction of atazanavir and viral enzyme Mpro — that allows virus’ proteins to be made correctly — in infected cells. Besides acting on Mpro, they found out the medicine might work on the respiratory system. Results are available on the platform BioRXiV.

Natália Scalzaretto

Natália Scalzaretto has worked for companies such as Santander Brasil and Reuters, where she covered news ranging from commodities to technology. Before joining The Brazilian Report, she worked as an editor for Trading News, the information division from the TradersClub investor community.

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