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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.12.06.412759

The new generation hDHODH inhibitor MEDS433 hinders the in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2

Calistri, A.·Luganini, A.·Conciatori, V.·Del Vecchio, C.·Sainas, S.·Boschi, D.·Lolli, M. L.·Gribaudo, G.·Parolin, C.
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Abstract

Identification and development of effective drugs active against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently needed. Here, we report on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of MEDS433, a novel inhibitor of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (hDHODH), a key cellular enzyme of the de novo pyrimidines biosynthesis. MEDS433 inhibits in vitro virus replication in the low nanomolar range, and through a mechanism that stems from its ability to block hDHODH activity. MEDS433 thus represents an attractive candidate to develop novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.

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Calistri, A., Luganini, A., Conciatori, V., Del Vecchio, C., Sainas, S., Boschi, D., Lolli, M. L., Gribaudo, G., Parolin, C.. 2020-12-07. The new generation hDHODH inhibitor MEDS433 hinders the in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.06.412759

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