Researchers Discover 5 Vital Genes associated with severe COVID-19
Researchers from Edinburgh discovered 5 vital genes that are linked with the most severe type of COVID-19. Additionally, the study revealed many existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat individuals at risk of getting severely ill with COVID-19.
The team examined the DNA of 2,700 COVID-19 patients in 208 ICUs throughout Britain and discovered that 5 genes involving 2 molecular processes – antiviral immunity and lung inflammation – were pivotal to several severe cases.
Kenneth Baillie, an academic consultant in critical care medicine, Edinburgh University, and co-lead of the study, stated that their study outcomes instantly highlight which medicines need to go to the first clinical screening.
Do you know why some patients become seriously ill with SARS-CoV-2 infection, while others are not affected much? Baillie stated that the genes – referred to as IFNAR2, TYK2, OAS1, DPP9, and CCR2 – partially answer the above question.
The outcomes of the research are published released in the journal Nature. This study should help researchers expedite the exploration of potential medicines against SARS-CoV-2 infection by carrying out clinical trials of drugs that target specific antiviral and anti-inflammatory pathways.
The most potential amongst
those would be anti-inflammatory medication – JAK inhibitors – the arthritis medication baricitinib, manufactured by Eli Lilly.The study also revealed that an increase in the activity of the INFAR2 gene might develop protection against COVID-19, as it is likely to resemble the impact of treatment with interferon.
Scientists are studying many drugs to repurpose it and use against COVID-19 – Few of them are interferon-beta-1a, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and Kevzara (Sanofi’s arthritis inflammation medication.
Till now, dexamethasone (a steroid) and remdesivir (a newly established antiviral by Gilead) are the only medicines authorized worldwide to be used against COVID-19 people. However, remdesivir is not advised for critical cases of the condition and had combined outcomes in trials.
The U.S. FDA authorized Eli Lilly’s antibody medication for COVID-19, bamlanivimab, for individuals who are not hospitalized yet are in danger of major health problems due to their age or other health issues.
Researchers Discover 5 Vital Genes associated with severe COVID-19
