N-0385 molecule can block SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus penetration into human cells when applied nasally, scientists of Cornell University (USA) inform.

A study on mice showed that N-0385 protects animals from infection, and also provides treatment when administered for 12 hours after exposure to the virus. Preliminary results showed that the drug prevents COVID-19 and also reduces disease severity and mortality in the post-infection period.

The researchers monitored the weight of the mice as weight loss signals infection and is considered a good indicator of disease and other clinical and pathological measurements, such as temperature and mortality, and analyzed mice tissue to see how well the animals responded to treatment.

Broad-spectrum therapy has been tested in mice exposed to the first strain found in Washington in 2020, as well as the delta strain. However, this approach has not been tested on the omicron strain. Nevertheless, scientists believe the drug will remain effective against new strains of the coronavirus.