Model Medicines Develops Multipurpose Anti-Viral Pill Targeting COVID-19 and Other Viruses
Model Medicines, a California-based company, is developing a multipurpose anti-viral pill named MDL-001, which has shown potential in treating a variety of viruses, including those causing colds, norovirus, flu, and COVID-19. The drug was initially developed as a breast cancer treatment but was repurposed using an AI drug-discovery platform. This platform identified that MDL-001 could inhibit a viral enzyme crucial for the replication of many viruses. Lab tests have demonstrated its efficacy against influenza, several coronaviruses, RSV, norovirus, and hepatitis. The drug has also shown promising results in animal models, particularly in reducing COVID-19 symptoms in mice. The findings are set to be presented at an upcoming congress in Munich, Germany.