Canadian Scientists Discovered A New Anti-Viral Drug N-0385 To Tackle COVID-19 Variants

All About Canada's Anti-Viral Drug N-0385: Many Canadian and American researchers have claimed to have developed an antiviral drug that is reportedly the most potent drug yet in countering the COVID-19 virus' variants of concern (VOCs). According to a release by the Vancouver-based University of British Columbia, the drug called N-0385 blocks the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering the human cells through its featured cell gateways.

"A new anti-viral drug could improve COVID-19 outcomes and survival rates — and is highly effective against multiple variants — according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Université de Sherbrooke," said the release on University of British Columbia's website.

A preprint version of the study on the new drug, which is not yet peer-reviewed, has been uploaded on the website of the  BioRXiv. According to the study, the new anti-viral drug could improve the COVID-19 outcomes and survival rates and is highly effective against multiple variants.

The US-based Cornell University is also associated with developing the N-0385 drug along with the University of British Columbia and Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec.

According to Dr François Jean, a project lead and professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the University of British Columbia N-0385 acts as the most effective entry inhibitor till date.

He has further said that the drug is broadly protective against infection and mortality in mice and is believed to have the potential as a viable early treatment against the COVID-19 variants of concern VOCs.

How does the drug work?

According to Dr Jean, the N-0385 drug works by blocking TMPRSS2, which is an enzyme responsible for cutting and priming the viral spike protein. This enzyme helps the virus to attach and fuse with the host cell membrane (in this case, humans), and release the genetic material of the virus. The drug inhibits this process and does not let the virus release its genetic material in the human body.

Picture Credit: Stat