Trio Of Galidesivir, Remdesivir, Favipiravir Could Treat COVID
The drugs are known as nucleoside polymerase inhibitors, or NUCs. According to scientists working on the study at the University of Florida, NUCs work by disrupting the viral replication process.
Fox News:
Trio Of Antiviral Drugs Eyed As Possible Coronavirus Treatment
Researchers at the University of Florida are studying a trio of antiviral drugs as a potential treatment against COVID-19. Galidesivir, remdesivir and favipiravir are under study because they’ve already been federally approved for other viral diseases or been tested as antiviral therapy, according to Ashley Brown, Ph.D., associate professor in the UF College of Medicine and affiliated associate professor in the UF College of Pharmacy, per a university news release. (Rivas, 9/9)
In other pharmaceutical developments —
CIDRAP:
NSAIDs Like Ibuprofen Not Tied To Severe COVID-19, Death
Contrary to early reports, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen is not associated with severe COVID-19 disease or death, according to a cohort study published yesterday in PLOS One. Researchers analyzed data from all 9,236 Danish residents who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from Feb 27 to Apr 29, of whom 248 (2.7%) had filled a prescription for an NSAID in the 30 days before their diagnosis. In Denmark, a prescription is needed for obtaining NSAIDs, except for low-dose (200-milligram) ibuprofen. (Van Beusekom, 9/9)
Stat:
23andMe's Aim: Getting Customers Drugs Developed With Their Data
23andme has long been known as a consumer genetic testing unicorn. But CEO Anne Wojcicki describes it differently, as “the people’s research company.” The California-based unicorn is now focused on a partnership with pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline to discover new drugs using data culled from millions of 23andMe customers, and Wojcicki said Wednesday at the STAT Health Tech Summit that she hoped the company’s customers would “feel proud” if a drug developed with their data reaches the market. (Sheridan, 9/9)
Stat:
Grail, In Filing For IPO, Lays Out Investments And Plans For Growth
Liquid biopsy company Grail has filed for a $100 million initial public offering, according to SEC documents. The company, which has raised about $2 billion from investors including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, biopharma giant Johnson & Johnson, and even a Canadian pension plan, expects to trade on Nasdaq as “GRAL.” (Sheridan, 9/9)
