Washington: Scientists in the US have found a potential therapeutic treatment for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and other coronaviruses.
Pathogenic coronaviruses are a major threat to global public health, as shown by the SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2. The study has found that small molecule protease inhibitors show potency against human coronaviruses. These coronavirus 3C-like proteases, known as 3CLpro, are strong therapeutic targets because they play vital roles in coronavirus replication, the researchers said.
“Vaccine developments and treatments are the biggest targets in COVID-19 research, and treatment is really key,” said Kyeong-Ok Chang, a professor at Kansas State University in the US. (PTI)