Metallodrug Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate as an Anti-COVID 19 Agent

HKU
Overview

A high therapeutic index drug that targets a viral helicase essential for SARS-CoV-2 to replicate

  • Metallodrug Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate as an Anti-COVID 19 Agent
Problem addressed

A greater efforts are needed to explore more drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2, which hopefully could open the way to alternative treatment strategies against the disease through some readily available channels.

Innovation
  • Drug candidate (RBC) targets the vital non-structural protein 13 (Nsp13), a viral helicase essential for SARS-CoV-2 to replicate.
  • RBC can cuase dispplacement of the crucial zinc(II) ions in the zinc-binding domain of Nsp13 with Bismuth-ions to potently suppress the activity of the helicase.
Key impact
  • Suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replications to reduce viral loads by ~100 folds in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts
  • Has a high therapeutics index (RBC at 975 vs. Remdesivir at 129)
Award
  • Gold Medals, 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2023)
Application
  • Antiviral drugs, especially SARS-CoV-2

Patent

  • US Application No: 18/000,491
  • CN Application No: 202180039588.X
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong. For over a century, the University has dedicated itself to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. Today, HKU has an established worldwide reputation for being a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties and a strong commitment to intellectual freedom, liberty and diversity. HKU has a proud record of academic recognition in researches through honours and awards received from both local and international bodies.

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