Novel oral antiviral for SARS-CoV-2 progresses in Phase I trial, Protease inhibitor

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Background science

Viral proteases are enzymes, endopeptidases

Encoded by the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of viral pathogens

Catalyze cleavage of specific peptide bonds in viral precursors

These proteolytic events are essential for the completion of the viral infectious cycle

Protease inhibitors, bind to a viral enzyme, called a protease

Prevent the virus from replicating

Protease inhibitors, used to treat HIV and hepatitis C

Assess tolerability and safety of multiple ascending doses of PF-07321332

Phase I study, healthy adults

Randomised, double-blind, sponsor-open, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-dose escalation study in healthy adults evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of PF-07321332.

Protease inhibitor, demonstrated potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

Could be prescribed orally at the first sign of infection

Pfizer also investigating an intravenously administered protease inhibitor, PF-07304814, in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

November??