South Middlesex Times

Rutgers Health researchers have developed a promising oral antiviral drug candidate for COVID-19, named Jun13296. This new drug aims to overcome significant limitations of Paxlovid, currently the most prescribed oral treatment for the virus. Unlike Paxlovid, Jun13296 targets a different protein in the virus and does not require combination with ritonavir.

Jun Wang, senior author of the study published in Nature Communications and a professor of medicinal chemistry at Rutgers' Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, stated, "This new compound is more potent than our first-generation candidate." Wang explained that in animal studies, Jun13296 provided "90% protection at just one-third the dose" compared to their initial compound and showed superior performance in reducing viral loads in the lungs.

The new drug seeks to address Paxlovid’s limitation on drug interaction-induced side effects. "Most people who are at high risk of COVID-induced complications already take medications for diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes," Wang said. This makes Paxlovid unsuitable for many due to drug interactions.

Jun13296 targets the virus's papain-like protease (PLpro) rather than the main protease targeted by Paxlovid. Lab testing showed Jun13296 remained effective against strains resistant to Paxlovid. Wang stated, "We have data to confirm that our PLpro inhibitor retains potent inhibition against all the variants we have tested."

Collaborative testing at Oklahoma State University demonstrated a 90% survival rate for infected mice treated with Jun13296. In contrast, untreated mice had a 0% survival rate. The drug reduced lung inflammation and viral levels significantly at lower doses compared to Paxlovid, which may minimize side effects, according to Wang.

Furthermore, Jun13296 does not inhibit major drug-metabolizing enzymes, suggesting fewer side effects and no need for combination with ritonavir.

Significant contributions to this study were made by Eddy Arnold’s Lab at Rutgers’ Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM). Moving towards human trials presents funding hurdles, and Wang estimated costs in the "tens of millions of dollars," which academic labs typically cannot secure. The team is seeking partnerships with pharmaceutical companies or non-profit organizations for further development.

The development occurs as COVID-19 continues to evolve, highlighting the need for multiple treatment options. Wang noted that having diverse options is vital for future pandemic preparedness, even if the drug is not commercialized immediately.

Rutgers has submitted patent applications for Jun13296 and actively seeks partners for further testing and development.