Scientists at the Ural Federal University (UrFU) have discovered that aspirin may be useful in the treatment of COVID-19. It turned out that the antipyretic potentially reduces the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus by binding to several viral proteins. This was announced in a press release available on the website “Godnauki.RF”.
The researchers used molecular docking – modeling the structure of a molecule when it binds to the active centers of another molecule. It turned out that aspirin interacts effectively with several coronavirus protein molecules and, possibly, suppresses the activity of viral particles. Experts also compared the binding energies between drugs and virus proteins among various drugs, including aspirin, remdisivir, and favipiravir. The antipyretic showed higher energy values compared to favipiravir. Remdesivir was the most effective one.
The authors of the work hope that the results will help in the development of new drugs against COVID-19, making it possible to estimate in advance which active substances effectively bind to the coronavirus.