Infectious disease

Cell culture, mouse and rat studies identified an RSV F protein inhibitor that could help treat RSV infection. Optimization and testing in HeLa cell-based assays of a previously reported quinoline-based compound yielded a compound that inhibited cell death in cells infected with one of four RSV strains with EC₅₀ values of 2-4 nM. In a mouse model of RSV infection, the compound decreased RSV titers in the lung compared with vehicle. In rats, the compound had an oral bioavailability of 16% and a plasma half-life of 1.7 hours. In silico docking of the compound with RSV F protein identified a binding pocket for the compound in the prefusion form of RSV F protein, suggesting RSV F protein as the compound’s probable target. Next steps by Roche could include testing the compound in additional animal models of RSV infection.

AstraZeneca plc and AbbVie Inc. market Synagis palivizumab, a humanized mAb against RSV F protein, for RSV infection...