According to a new study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, researchers have created a new chemical that has demonstrated promising results in laboratory tests as a potential defence against the SARS-CoV-2 virus strains. A team of researchers from Paris-Cité University and the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence in Delhi-NCR developed the chemicals. The chemical is based on indoles, which are common molecules present in various amino acids and natural alkaloids.

Dr. Subhabrata Sen, Professor of the Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, stated that the current molecules are made to address both the short-term and long-term symptoms of COVID-19. He added that these are first-in-class compounds demonstrating the original property of targeting not just one but numerous molecular targets involved in COVID-19.

The researchers added that because of the chemicals′ multi-target capabilities, they disrupt many SARS-CoV-2 infection stages, including viral replication and interactions with its cellular receptor, ACE2.

Dr. Sen pointed out that these target proteins are also essential for other SARS-CoV-2-related, deadly viruses like MERS and SARS. He added that although it is currently unknown, more research into the chemicals′ medicinal potential for these viruses would be highly beneficial. He further stated that the compound inhibits at least four COVID-19-related target proteins.

Additionally, the research team noted that there were no harmful effects of the compound observed in the in vivo studies against virulent SARS CoV-2 conducted in Paris. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/novel-molecule-shows-promise-against-covid-variants-study/98012554 )