Chemical compound discovered by HKU-led team could open the way for a new antiviral drug with broad application

The compound, AM580, was found to inhibit the development of seven to eight types of virus, including Sars, Mers and H7N9

Further rounds of tests are necessary, but the researchers are hopeful the drug might be on the market in five years’ time

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In experiments for the study, mice infected with Mers virus who were given AM580 had a 100 per cent survival rate and experienced less body weight loss, when compared to those without the drug compound. Their lung and brain tissues also had 10,000 times less the viral level. Photo: Elizabeth Cheung

Published: 6:02pm, 10 Jan 2019Updated: 10:47am, 11 Jan 2019

Researchers in Hong Kong have discovered a chemical compound that helps stave off multiple viruses, including the deadly Sars virus, raising hopes of a drug that can work against an array of infectious diseases.

Rather than attacking the viruses, the compound stops them multiplying by making changes to the host’s cells.

In the study, by a team led by University of Hong Kong scientists, a chemical compound called AM580 was found to be able to inhibit the activities of seven to eight types of virus, including the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) coronavirus and the bird flu H7N9 virus, but not HIV.

Following the discovery, the researchers said they hoped a drug could be available in five years which could tackle novel viruses that cause emerging infectious diseases.

This drug does not target viruses, but targets the metabolism of lipids in our cells

Yuen Kwok-yung, Hong Kong University

While ribavirin is the only currently approved broad-spectrum antiviral drug, and has been used in the past to treat Sars, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, a top infectious diseases expert who led the research team, said it was “incomparable” with the latest discovery.