In a new research, an experimental drug, originally being developed for the treatment of influenza, has shown promising results against SARS-CoV-2. The drug might protect against COVID-19 from two different directions, noted researchers. 

The drug, known as zapnometinib or ATR-002, has the potential to check the proliferation of the virus in cells and decrease the amplified immune response that plays a role in critical illness in severe cases of COVID-19, revealed test tube experiments. The data are published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.

This is the first time that a drug has been shown to have a dual action against COVID-19, noted study co-author Stephan Ludwig of the University of Muenster. Ludwig added that positive findings from an ongoing clinical study in human participants might pave the way for an emergency approval this year… (Reuters, January 15, 2022)