Scientists at the Vector Virology Center and NIOCh SB RAS have developed a compound based on usnic acid derivatives that effectively suppresses SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains. The researchers reduced the toxicity of the substance, which is characteristic of its natural form, thereby improving its therapeutic properties.
Usnic acid, found in lichens, has antimicrobial, antitumor, and antiviral activity, but its high toxicity has limited its use. The developers synthesized a compound involving bromine, which showed activity against six strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the Wuhan variant, Delta, and four subvariants of Omicron.
The test was performed on a cell culture, where the new compound effectively reduced the virus titer. The researchers note that Omicron has completely displaced previous strains. The data obtained confirm the effectiveness of the substance against its various subtypes. The development can be applied in molecular biology, medicine, and pharmacology.
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