EIDD-036

EIDD-036

EIDD-2801 also known as Molnupiravir is an experimental antiviral drug which is orally bioavailable and was developed by the pharmaceutical company Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD). It is a prodrug of the synthetic nucleoside derivative N4-hydroxycytidine, and exerts its antiviral effect through introduction of copying errors during viral RNA replication.

History

EIDD-2801 was first synthesized by the Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD) in collaboration with Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory (DRIVE). The development of the drug was based on research into nucleoside analogues that could inhibit the replication of related RNA viruses.

Mechanism of Action

EIDD-2801 is a prodrug of N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC), which means it is metabolized into its active form in the body. NHC is incorporated into viral RNA during replication, causing a high rate of mutations in the viral genome. This leads to a phenomenon known as "error catastrophe" where the high mutation rate inhibits the virus's ability to replicate.

Clinical Trials

EIDD-2801 has undergone several phases of clinical trials. In preclinical studies, it showed broad spectrum antiviral activity against several RNA viruses including Influenza virus, Ebola virus, and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2. It is currently in Phase 2/3 trials for the treatment of COVID-19.

Potential Use in Pandemics

Due to its broad-spectrum antiviral activity and oral bioavailability, EIDD-2801 has potential for use in future pandemics. It could be used both for prophylaxis to prevent infection, and for treatment of established infections.

See Also

• Antiviral drug
• Prodrug
• RNA virus
• COVID-19 pandemic

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