OREANDA-NEWS. The antiretroviral drug nelfinavir is able to block the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 virus. This conclusion was made by Japanese scientists from Tokai University. The results of their study were published in the electronic scientific library bioRxiv.

Researchers tested the effect of nine antiretroviral drugs on viral particles of the new coronavirus. They discovered that the drug for the treatment of HIV, nelfinavir effectively stops the reproduction of the virus even when using small doses. Experts concluded that this medicine should be included in the list of potentially effective drugs against coronavirus.

At the same time, scientists emphasized that at present, no proven remedy for the treatment of COVID-19 has been found, therefore, it is urgent to test effective antiviral drugs.