An international team of researchers has tested more than 10,000 compounds to identify six drug candidates that may help treat COVID-19.
The research, involving University of Queensland scientist Professor Luke Guddat, tested the efficacy of approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials and other compounds.
“Currently there are no targeted therapeutics or effective treatment options for COVID-19,” Professor Guddat said.
"In order to rapidly discover lead compounds for clinical use, we initiated a program of high-throughput drug screening, both in laboratories and also using the latest computer software to predict how different drugs bind to the virus."
Professor Guddat said the project targeted the main COVID-19 virus enzyme, known as the main protease or Mpro, which plays a pivotal role in mediating viral replication.
