Aprotinin is a drug that can help in the fight against COVID-19, according to scientists from the University of Kent, Goethe-University in Frankfurt am Main and Hannover Medical School in the journal Cells.

An international team led by prof. Martin Michaelis, Ph.D. Marek Wass and prof. Jindrich Cinatl found that the approved protease inhibitor aprotinin exhibits activity against the coronavirus by inhibiting the TMPRSS2 enzyme necessary for the pathogen’s ability to infect cells. The results of conducted research confirm that this compound inhibits the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells, exhibits desired level of activity against the coronavirus when used in relatively low concentrations and is safe for patients.

Aprotinin aerosol is reported to be very well tolerated in influenza patients. According to prof. Martin Michaelis of the School of Biosciences, University of Kent, if given early enough, it may have real potential in preventing severe course of Covid-19.

This substance, obtained from bovine lungs, is used in medicine as a means of reducing bleeding during complicated surgical operations. It is also a component of drugs used in other indications, including in dental gels that neutralize enzymes harmful to the gums and teeth, reducing the symptoms of periodontal disease, including bleeding, swelling and soreness of the gums.

Aprotinin produced by the Pharmfactor company, belonging to the Biomedycyna Polska S.A. group, the leader of which is Biomedycyna Polska S.A. meets the pharmacopeial criteria and quality specifications moreover, it has a high specific activity, which has a direct impact on the economic efficiency of production. The company had also carried out the application procedure to the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland regarding the method of obtaining aprotinin and the product manufactured in this way, which was assigned the number: P.434960.

The original publication in English is available on the journal’s website here.