Scientists from the Faculty of exact, natural and technical sciences of the University of Humanities and Natural Sciences in Częstochowa and the Center for Molecular and Macromolecular Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a two-component drug that can be used to treat the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, and to prevent its development and in enhancing the immune response.
The main component of the drug is the active substance used in the treatment of hypertension, affecting the ACE2 protein (type II angiotensin converting enzyme), which is also a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, with which the virus enters the cell. The invention was filed to the Patent Office.
By blocking this receptor, the active substance can prevent the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome – the main cause of death in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and in addition increases the production of the protective angiotensin peptide- (1-7).
