Drug for bipolar disorder can be a weapon against COVID-19

Recent research suggests that a drug used for bipolar disorder and hearing loss attacks the protein that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the novel coronavirus. Here is all you need to know about it.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken the lives of over 7.5 lakh people globally, has brought the world to a standstill while making scientists burn the midnight oil for a vaccine and potential cure. Though the first vaccine against COVID-19, Sputnik V, has been launched amidst much concern and controversy, no new drug has been found yet to cure this condition. While it comes to treating this contagious infection, the focus has remained primarily on repurposing old drugs. In a recent development, scientists have found a potential weapon against COVID-19 in a drug used for treating bipolar disorder and hearing loss. It is known as Ebselen.

How does Ebselen work against COVID-19?

The findings of a report published in the journal Science Advances suggest that Ebselen inhibits the novel coronavirus from replicating itself within human cells. For the study, scientists evaluated the molecule main protease of the virus known as Mpro. It is a crucial enzyme that plays an important role in the life cycle of the novel coronavirus. Mpro enables this pathogen to make proteins for its genetic material, RNA, while helping the virus to multiply inside human cells. Ebselen, which is a chemical compound with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, bactericidal, and cell-protective properties, can block the function of Mpro, found scientists. They are hoping that these findings will help in the identification of other hitherto unknown weaknesses of the coronavirus and attack other proteins or main protease that aid this pathogen to function. However, further studies are required to prove the efficacy of Ebselen against COVID-19.

Other promising treatments for COVID-19

As already mentioned, COVID-19 treatment is currently focussed on repurposing existing drug and therapies. Here is a low-down on other potential options that have shown promising results in clinical trials and preliminary findings.

• Nitric Oxide: A recent study conducted at the George Washington University in the US found that treatment with nitric oxide can be effective in our battle against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The researchers found that nitric oxide, which is an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory molecule, can be effective if inhaled. It has been observed that nitric oxide prevented virus from replicating themselves during the 2003 SARS outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-1 virus.
• Psoriasis drug Itolizumab: Recently, the Drugs Controller General of India has approved this drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Itolizumab, approved for 'restricted emergency use' in India after trials, has been found to bring down mortality rate in moderate to extreme COVID-19 cases. The drug is effective in managing a crucial complication of COVID-19: Abnormally fast release of proteins known as cytokines. It also helps in controlling hyper-activation of the immune system, another common and dangerous issue faced by COVID-19 patients.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: These are antibodies that are easy to isolate. They can be produced in huge quantities. So far, Monoclonal antibodies have been used for treating Ebola, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis among diseases. They work by blocking the 'Spike protein' in the novel coronavirus. This protein is used by the virus to enter human cells and replicate itself.