Emetine for SARS-CoV-2

National Center For Advancing Translational Sciences

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this project is clinical development of emetine hydrochloride for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emetine was previously identified as a broad-acting antiviral compound. SARS-CoV-2 emerged recently as an opportunity for further clinical development. During this period, the collaborative team has examined emetine activity versus SARS-CoV-2 using in vitro human airway epithelium (EpiAirway) Vero-E6 cells, and in vivo (ferret) models of infection. Pharmacokinetic studies were also performed to measure tissue distribution.