Researchers worldwide are working to develop both tests and drugs for COVID-19. On Thursday, the University of Louisville announced they have developed a technology that will block the novel coronavirus from infecting human cells.
The technology is based on a piece of synthetic DNA – an “aptamer” – which targets and binds with a human protein called nucleolin. Early tests show that this aptamer may stop viruses, including novel coronavirus, from “hijacking” nucleolin to replicate inside the body.
The University has applied to the Food and Drug Administration for approval to start treating patients seriously affected with COVID-19.
The specific technology has been used before, most notably as a potential therapeutic drug against multiple types of cancer.
For details on the University of Louisville work, click here.
