Technology ID
TAB-3595
Repurposed Use of the Alkaloids Emetine and Cephaeline to Treat Zika Virus Infection
E-Numbers
E-115-2018-0
Lead Inventor
Tang, Hengli (Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc (FSURF))
Co-Inventors
Lee, Emily (Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc (FSURF))
Zheng, Wei (NCATS)
Xu, Miao (NCATS)
Huang, Ruili (NCATS)
Yang, Shu (NCATS)
Huang, Wenwei (NCATS)
Shamim, Khalida (NCATS)
Li, Hao (NCATS)
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Therapeutic Areas
Infectious Disease
Lead IC
NCATS
ICs
NCATS
This technology includes the use of two related compounds, Emetine and Cephaeline, as a potent inhibitor of the Zika virus (ZIKV). Emetine and it's analog Cephaeline were identified in a high-throughput assay aimed at identifying anti-ZIKV compounds. Both Emetine and Cephaeline are potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in cell culture, and Emeline is a potent inhibitor of ZIKV infection in a live mouse model. These compounds were previously identified in an ipecac root crude extract which was used as a treatment for amoebic dysentery in addition to being used as an emetic agent, depending on dosage. While there has been some cardiotoxicity reported with high dosage of emetine, the effective IC50 observed in cell culture and mice is well below the toxic dosage.
Commercial Applications
Both Emetine and Cephaeline are potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in cell culture, and Emeline is a potent inhibitor of ZIKV infection in a live mouse model. Further clinical work may support the use of these compounds for therapeutic use.
Competitive Advantages
This is the first report of Emetine or Cephaeline as antiviral compounds in ZIKV infection. There are currently no known antiviral treatments against ZIKV infection. Current treatments for ZIKV are only supportive and not curative.
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