Experts from the United States have shown that the drug probenecid used to treat gout is able to fight the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers' article was published in Scientific Reports.
Probenecid inhibits the replication process of the virus in infected cells, thereby preventing its spread in the body. In clinical studies on hamsters, scientists from the University of Georgia and TrippBio have shown that the drug can be used as a prophylactic agent before or after infection against coronavirus and influenza. In addition, the efficacy of probenecid against the human respiratory syncytial virus has been shown in cell cultures.
In addition to direct action, probenecid can increase the effectiveness of other drugs, the researchers note. It is already being used to enhance the effect of certain antibiotics. Currently, scientists are calculating the most effective dose of the drug to combat coronavirus; clinical trials will begin within a year.
