Preclinical studies by researchers from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong have demonstrated that a dry powder formulation of tamibarotene delivered to the lungs of hamster and mice has broad activity against respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and influenza A H1N1. Results from the studies were published in Advanced Therapeutics, and according to the university, the researchers have filed a provisional US patent application for the spray-dried inhaled formulation of tamibarotene.
Tamibarotene is a retinoid derivative that is currently marketed in Japan as an oral treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia. The university announcement suggests that “by demonstrating antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 virus in respective animal models, inhaled tamibarotene presents a possible solution for COVID-19 and influenza co-infection” and adds that inhaled tamibarotene also could be useful against drug resistant viruses.
Hong Kong Associate Professor Jenny Lam commented, “Currently, there is no inhaled powder formulation of antiviral available on the market for COVID-19 treatment. Tamibarotene dry powder with broad-spectrum antiviral activity presents a new strategy for COVID-19 management, especially as prophylaxis and treatment for outpatients when in-patient healthcare cannot be provided. With the favorable safety profile of tamibarotene and based on the findings in the present study, clinical trials evaluating inhaled tamibarotene for its safety and as at-home treatment for COVID-19 could be considered.”
Read the University of Hong Kong press release.
