Clinical development of emetine hydrochloride for the treatment of viral infection

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. Further target-based studies are underway to characterize the breadth of emetine's antiviral properties.