GOODNEWS: Nigerian University, UNIZIK discovers drug for Coronavirus

1. What did we do?

We identified 9 existing drugs, 14 phytochemicals from natural products and 3 N-acetyl glucosamine analogs with good binding affinities to 2 important COVID-19 proteins (glycoprotein S and protease) using computer-aided drug design tools.
These may be potential inhibitors and possible drug or lead candidates for the treatment and prophylaxis of Covid-19.

2. Is there any prospect for the findings?

Yes. We found existing (approved) drugs that could be used for pre-and post-exposure chemoprophylaxis and treatment of Covid-19. The identified phytochemicals performed better than the existing drugs and could be developed as well for pre-and post-exposure chemoprophylaxis and treatment of Covid-19.

3. What are the next steps?

We want to do in vitro validation studies as well as Phase 2 clinical trials for identified existing drugs.

4. What support is needed?

We need funding and technical support (partners and collaborators) to progress the drug development.

We have self-funded up-to-date.

Prof Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu,
Principal Investigator,
COVID-19 Drug Design, Discovery & Development Project,
School of Pharmacy,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
+234 803 547 6925
ic.uzochukwu@unizik.edu.ng