Archive · 28 Jul 2025
Cancer Drug Shows Promise Against COVID-19 in Preclinical Studies
Scientists in India have found a drug called SB431542, which was used in cancer research, may help fight COVID-19.
This drug stops the virus from getting into our cells, prevents it from building itself, and stops the cells from dying.
Even after testing it for a long time, the virus didn't become resistant to the drug, which is a big win.
This could mean a new way to fight COVID-19, which is better than existing drugs.
The research was done with the help of several Indian research institutes.
Indian scientists found an ALK5 inhibitor, SB431542, effective against coronavirus in preclinical studies.
The drug was originally developed for cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis research.
SB431542 works by blocking the virus from entering cells, disrupting assembly, and preventing cell death.
The virus did not develop resistance to the drug after 50 generations of exposure.
The study was first released as a preprint on bioRxiv and accepted for publication in the Journal of Virology.
- Who
- Indian scientists.
- What
- A drug originally for cancer research, SB431542, shows promise against the coronavirus.
- When
- The study was published on July 28, 2024.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To find an effective treatment for COVID-19.
Existing Treatments
SB431542
Effectiveness of Treatments
Existing Treatments
Vaccines and existing treatments like Remdesivir are not enough to control the virus.
SB431542
The SB431542 drug may become a groundbreaking tool in the fight against COVID-19.
- Drug Name
- SB431542
- Drug Type
- ALK5 inhibitor
- Original Use
- Preclinical cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis research
- Effect on Virus
- Inhibits the coronavirus
- Resistance
- No resistance developed after 50 generations of exposure
- Research Institutions
- ICMR, ICAR, NIV, National Centre for Veterinary Type Culture
- Publication
- Journal of Virology