What Became of DRACO?
What became of the promising antiviral drug named DRACO (Double-stranded RNA Activated Caspase Oligomerizer)? It was said to be poised to revolutionize the treatment of various viral infections, including influenza, HPV, chickenpox, and West Nile virus. A study published in PloS One highlights DRACO’s ability to target and disrupt nearly all viruses by focusing on a unique genetic material present only in virus-infected cells.
Mechanism of Action
DRACO operates by detecting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a molecular signature that appears exclusively in cells infected by viruses during their replication process. The drug triggers apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in these infected cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This selective action minimizes potential side effects, as the body can efficiently clear away the remnants of dead cells without complications.
Efficacy and Research Findings
In laboratory tests, DRACO has demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy against numerous viruses. Todd Rider, Ph.D., who developed DRACO alongside researchers at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory, reported successful trials against 15 different viruses, including the common cold, H1N1 influenza, polio, and dengue fever. Notably, DRACO saved mice that were administered a lethal dose of H1N1 influenza. Rider emphasized that this innovative approach could lead to a safe treatment option for various viral infections.
Development History
Initially developed at MIT, DRACO’s research moved to Draper Laboratory for further testing and development around 2014. However, funding challenges hindered progress; two crowdfunding attempts to raise $500,000 for continued research fell short in 2016. In 2020, independent studies reaffirmed DRACO’s effectiveness against H1N1 and its nontoxicity in uninfected mammalian cells.
In June 2023, Kimer Med in New Zealand reported significant progress with VTose, a derivative of DRACO. Their tests showed 100% effectiveness against both Dengue (DENV-2) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses in laboratory assays. This development indicates that DRACO-derived compounds may have promising applications in antiviral therapy.
Future Prospects
Despite its potential, the journey from laboratory success to human application remains lengthy. Clinical trials are still several years away, with Rider estimating it could take up to a decade before DRACO becomes available for public use. The research team is actively seeking partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to advance the drug through necessary animal and human trials.
Expert Opinions
Experts like Mario Stevenson from the University of Miami have acknowledged the innovation behind DRACO but caution that translating results from mice to humans presents significant challenges. Historical precedents indicate that many promising treatments face hurdles when moving into human clinical settings.
Conclusion
DRACO represents a groundbreaking advancement in antiviral therapy, with its ability to target a wide array of viruses through a novel mechanism. While further research and development are essential before it can be utilized in clinical settings, its promise could reshape how we approach viral infections in the future.
Read More
[1] https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_111083_fa0a39270971b0dbac13c505bd6dc929.pdf
[2] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figures?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0022572
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4362519/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRACO
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8473132/
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3144912/
[7] https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/media-center/newsroom/news-detail/why-the-flu-vaccine-is-less-effective-in-older-people/