Novel drug for COVID-19: Virafin a therapeutic breakthrough

I Banerjee,J Robinson,B Roy,A Leclézio

doi:10.3126/jbs.v8i1.38456

I Banerjee, J Robinson + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3126/jbs.v8i1.38456

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Abstract

Background: Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b is synthesized via the use of PEG (polyethylene glycol). It is formulated via attaching a 12kDa mono methoxy polyethylene glycol moiety to the recombinant human Interferon Alpha-2b protein. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b acts via binding to the (JAK/STAT) Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of the transcription interferon receptor. The Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b /Virafin binds to the (IFNAR1/2) alpha interferon receptor 1 and 2. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b better known as Virafin has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India. This therapeutic agent is currently under a multicentric phase 3 trial with very promising results being reported. A single subcutaneous dose of Virafin has been shown to decrease the need for oxygen therapy in patients. This reduction in the need for oxygen therapy is a vital factor needed to provide relief to the Indian medical system in light of the recent oxygen shortages faced due to India’s worst wave of COVID-19 cases since the onset of the global pandemic. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b/ Virafin confers enhanced viral clearance and bolsters the immune response to induce a quicker recovery in patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Conclusion: It is of paramount importance that further research on Virafin is undertaken as it can hinder the progression of COVID-19, reduce pressure on the inundated health systems, and save countless lives.

Highlights

Background Pegylated InterferonAlpha-2b is synthesized via the use of PEG
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that spread across global borders towards the end of December 2019 and January 2020 has resulted in the International Coronavirus pandemic
Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b/Virafin Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b is synthesized via the use of PEG

Summary

Conclusion

The present reports and data for the use of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b/ Virafin in the treatment of mild to moderately ill COVID-19 patients are promising and constitute greater international attention and study. The great potential for using this therapeutic agent in the war against COVID-19 cannot be ignored as the capability of this drug to halt the progression of the disease in milder patients will intern free up resources for those with severe symptoms and forms of the disease. It is of paramount importance that further research on Virafin is undertaken as it can hinder the progression of COVID-19, reduce pressure on the inundated health systems, and save countless lives. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Janus kinases (JAK), Interleukin 4 (IL4), Signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STATs), Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2)

Background

Findings