NIH researchers identify potential new antiviral drug for COVID-19

An experimental drug, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (Tempol), may be a promising oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19, according to new research from NIH.  

NIH researchers studying cell cultures found that the drug can curb SARS-CoV-2 infection by impeding the activity of RNA replicase.  

“An oral drug that prevents SARS-CoV-2 from replicating would be an important tool for reducing the severity of the disease,” said Diana Bianchi, MD, director of NIH’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). 

NIH researchers tested whether the RNA replicase, specifically the enzyme’s nsp12 subunit, required iron-sulfur clusters for structural support. Their findings indicate that RNA replicase requires two iron-sulfur clusters to function optimally. The experimental drug can degrade iron-sulfur clusters. 

“Given Tempol’s safety profile and the dosage considered therapeutic in our study, we are hopeful,” said lead researcher Tracey Rouault, MD, head of the NICHD Section of Human Iron Metabolism. “However, clinical studies are needed to determine if the drug is effective in patients, particularly early in the disease course when the virus begins to replicate.”