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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.10.28.355305

5-amino levulinic acid inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro

Sakurai, Y.·Tun, M. M. N.·Kurosaki, Y.·Sakura, T.·Inaoka, D. K.·Fujine, K.·Kita, K.·Morita, K.·Yasuda, J.
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Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic requires urgent development of effective therapeutics. 5-amino levulinic acid (5-ALA) is a naturally synthesized amino acid and has been used for multiple purposes including as an anticancer therapy and as a dietary supplement due to its high bioavailability. In this study, we demonstrated that 5-ALA treatment potently inhibited infection of SARS-CoV-2, a causative agent of COVID-19. The antiviral effects could be detected in both human and non-human cells, without significant cytotoxicity. Therefore, 5-ALA is a candidate as an oral antiviral drug for COVID-19.

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Sakurai, Y., Tun, M. M. N., Kurosaki, Y., Sakura, T., Inaoka, D. K., Fujine, K., Kita, K., Morita, K., Yasuda, J.. 2020-10-28. 5-amino levulinic acid inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.28.355305

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