World News I Combating the spread of Coronavirus: Possibility of a drug I The Readers Time, Silchar
After carrying out research on monkeys, Brazilian researchers have found that a molecule in the venom of jararacussu inhibited the ability of coronavirus multiply by 75 per cent. Possibly it is the first step toward a drug to fight against COVID-19 caused by Coronavirus. Scientists hope to test the substance in human cells but have not given any timeline.
According to a study published in the scientific journal Molecules this month found that the molecule produced by the jararacussu pitviper inhibited the virus’s ability to multiply in monkey cells by 75%.
Rafael Guido a professor in the University of Sao Paulo, an author of the study said that “We were able to show this component of snake venom was able to inhibit a very important protein from the virus,”
The molecule is a peptide, or chain of amino acids, that can connect to an enzyme of the coronavirus called PLPro, which is vital to reproduction of the virus, without hurting other cells.
Already known for its antibacterial qualities, the peptide can be synthesized in the laboratory, Mr. Guido said in an interview, making the capture or raising of the snakes unnecessary.
This experiment is yet another experiment to find a way to combat Covid-19 ,especially in the time when studies from various countries are questioning the ability of the vaccines of coronavirus available in the market.
According to a study by British researchers, protection against Covid-19 offered by two doses of the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca vaccines begins to fade within six months.
Britain’s ZOE Covid study showed that, The effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine falls from 88 percent to 74 percent after the second dose.
Britain and various other European nations are planning to start a Covid-19 vaccine booster campaign later this year after top vaccine advisers said that it might be necessary to give a third shot to the elderly and most vulnerable from September.
Author: Nileswar Roy
