The Tripledemic: AI-Drug Discovery and the Quest for a Pan-Antiviral Drug
The "tripledemic" is a term used to describe the convergence of three different epidemics: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and COVID-19.
This convergence is putting strain on healthcare systems and hospitals are struggling to keep up with the increased demand. Current treatments are inadequate and there is a pressing need for a pan-antiviral drug that can combat all three viruses simultaneously.
Model Medicines has discovered a drug called MDL-001 that has shown antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in pre-clinical trials. Importantly, MDL-001 also has predicted efficacy against RSV and other RNA viruses, making it a potential pan-antiviral drug. This is critical, as the triple threat of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 is a dangerous combination that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia.
MDL-001 has a targeted product profile that includes being an efficacious treatment for at least RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza A & B. It can be administered orally and once a day without significant drug-drug interactions, genotoxicity, or liver or kidney toxicity concerns. This makes it an ideal treatment option for the tripledemic and future pandemics.
Conclusion
The severity of the tripledemic cannot be understated. We need a pan-antiviral drug like MDL-001 to protect ourselves and our communities from the triple threat of RSV, flu, and COVID-19. Model Medicines is taking the next step to clinically validate MDL-001. This is an important step towards providing a solution to the tripledemic and preparing for future pandemics. It is time for a new approach to fighting respiratory viruses and MDL-001 could be the key.
Details
Date
Dec 13, 2022
Category
Paper
Reading
2 Mins
Author
David “Davey” Smith, MD, MAS, FACP, FIDSA
Scripps Relearch
A pioneering infectious disease specialist at UC San Diego, where he serves as Division Chief of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health. An internationally recognized HIV/AIDS researcher with over 250 publications, he leads critical COVID-19 treatment research as chair of ACTIV-2. His work spans HIV transmission networks, transgender healthcare, and global health initiatives in Mozambique and Romania. Among numerous honors, he received the Florence Seeley Riford Chair in AIDS Research and was named HIV Researcher of the Year. Beyond medicine, he's a published poet in JAMA.
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