Evaluation of molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in the rhesus macaque model

Dylan M. Johnson, Trevor Brasel, Shane Massey, Tania Garron, Michael Grimes, Jeanon Smith, Maricela Torres, Shannon Wallace, Alejandro Villasante-Tezanos, David W. Beasley, Jason E. Comer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) is a prodrug of a ribonucleoside analogue that is currently being used under a US FDA emergency use authorization for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. We evaluated molnupiravir for efficacy as an oral treatment in the rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Twenty non-human primates (NHPs) were challenged with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with 75 mg/kg (n = 8) or 250 mg/kg (n = 8) of molnupiravir twice daily by oral gavage for 7 days. The NHPs were observed for 14 days post-challenge and monitored for clinical signs of disease. After challenge, all groups showed a trend toward increased respiration rates. Treatment with molnupiravir significantly reduced viral RNA levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples at Days 7 and 10. Considering the mild to moderate nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the rhesus macaque model, this study highlights the importance of monitoring the viral load in the lung as an indicator of pharmaceutical efficacy for COVID-19 treatments. Additionally, this study provides evidence of the efficacy of molnupiravir which supplements the current ongoing clinical trials of this drug.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number105492
JournalAntiviral research
Volume209
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • EDIDD-2801
  • Molnupiravor
  • Non-human primate
  • Rhesus macaque
  • SARS-CoV-2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Virology

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