Need for a Standardized Translational Drug Development Platform: Lessons Learned from the Repurposing of Drugs for COVID-19

August 2022 in “ Microorganisms ”

Frauke Assmus, Jean‐Sélim Driouich, Rana Abdelnabi, Laura Vangeel, Franck Touret, Ayorinde Adehin, Palang Chotsiri, Maxime Cochin, Caroline S. Foo, Dirk Jochmans, Seungtaek Kim, Léa Lucıanı, Grégory Moureau, Soonju Park, Paul-Rémi Petit, David Shum, Thanaporn Wattanakul, Birgit Weynand, Laurent Fraisse, Jean‐Robert Ioset, Charles E. Mowbray, Andrew Owen, Richard M. Hoglund, Joel Tärning, Xavier de Lamballerie, Antoine Nougaırède, Johan Neyts, Peter Sjö, Fanny Escudié, Ivan Scandale, Eric Chatelain

TLDR A standardized drug development platform is essential for efficient and effective drug repurposing, especially during pandemics.

The document discussed the challenges and lessons learned from repurposing drugs for COVID-19 treatment, emphasizing the need for a standardized translational drug development platform. It highlighted the importance of a systematic approach to drug repurposing, which was crucial during the pandemic to quickly identify potential treatments. The study involved various experimental conditions and pharmacokinetic studies, particularly using Syrian golden hamsters as models. Key findings included the high potency of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir in vitro, while other drugs like atazanavir and favipiravir showed limited efficacy. The research underscored the potential of certain drug combinations and the need for ongoing evaluation of new candidates based on emerging data. The authors concluded that a standardized platform could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of drug development, especially in urgent situations like a pandemic.