Scientists from 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, which improved its therapeutic properties.
Usnic acid, which is found in lichens, has antimicrobial, antitumor and antiviral activity, but its high toxicity limited its use. The developers synthesized a compound with the participation of bromine, which showed activity against six strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the Wuhan variant, Delta and four Omicron subtypes.
The test was carried out 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 used in molecular biology, medicine and pharmacology.
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