The research for a treatment against coronavirus is improving! The Inserm – French National Institute for Health and Medical Research announced this Monday July 27, 2020 that mixing remdesivir and antihypertensive diltiazem could bring “a significant benefit” in the cure of Covid-19 in patients infected. Encouraging results released in scientific Cell Reports Medicine magazine by the Virpath team from the International Center for Infectiology Research, the National Center for Scientific Research, the Claude Bernard-Lyon 1 University and the ENS Lyon, and reported in a press release.
“Positive first results against the virus” the Inserm says, partnering in the researches. Why mixing these two medicines? Clinical trials on remdesivir gave conclusive results as for its effectiveness in curing Covid cases. As for diltiazem, it is an antihypertensive generally used to fight against angina pectoris. “By stimulating the innate immune response of respiratory epitheliums [tissues], diltiazem potentializes the effects of remdesivir and offers the opportunity to reduce doses” the Inserm explains. An antihypertensive improving the effect of remdesivir to reinforce its effectiveness.
It is also a way to limit doses of remdesivir “presenting certain in vivo toxicity in addition to being a very costly medicine” Inserm research direct at the Virpath laboratory Manuel Rosa-Calatrava says. A study that yet has not included patients: all tests have been performed in vitro “as close as to human physiology” the release reads. “The team continues its preclinical trials with this biotherapy in animals and hopes to launch a clinical trial next winter if positive results confirm” the Inserm says.
Anyway, this is good news and another step towards a treatment against Covid-19.
