Antiviral Activity of Benzydamine Hydrochloride against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro Model

Due to the emergence of a new coronavirus infection COVID-19, scientists around the world are actively working on a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. At the same time, it is possible that existing medications can help in the fight against this disease. The local antiseptic drug benzidamine hydrochloride in the early stages of illness can prevent the virus from entering the lower respiratory tract and potentially reduce the severe illness associated with pneumonia and, as a result, reduce COVID19-related hospitalizations, which can significantly reduce the burden on the health care system.

The aim: to evaluate the antiviral activity of benzidamine hydrochloride against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.

Material and methods. Antiviral properties of benzidamine hydrochloride were studied in vitro in non-toxic concentrations on monolayer of Vero-E6 cells infected with pandemic strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in treatment and prophylactic scheme of the compound and virus administration.

Results. Benzidamine hydrochloride has antiviral activity (15,0 mcg/ml), the efficiency of its antiviral action is directly proportional to the concentration of the substance.

Conclusions. Taking into account very limited range of antiviral drugs with direct action on SARS-CoV-2 virus, the studied preparation can be used in complex therapy at early stages of the disease, which can prevent virus penetration into lower respiratory tract and potentially reduce the number of complications.

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