A Singapore startup is testing its antiviral drug, RetroMAD1, against the SARS-CoV-2 beta-coronavirus that causes COVID-19. A spokesperson for Biovalence Technologies, the company that developed the drug, believes its drug could treat Covid-19. He said several scientific papers had revealed that a specific mutation of Sars-CoV-2 bears similarity to how dengue, Ebola, FeCoV and HIV infect their host through an enzyme known as the Furin protease.
RetroMAD1 was designed to inhibit the Furin protease found in all mammalian cells. It is known to open the door that allows viruses that have the activator to enter and infect.
If found effective against SARS-CoV-2, the new drug would be a treatment, not a vaccine.
Source: TODAY, March 17, 2020. Link.
Also see: 73% of cats with feline leukemia survived and thrived on RetroMAD1, PoC, December 5, 2019. Link.
Also see: RetroMAD1 saves cats suffering from FeLV, Biovalence Technologies Pte Ltd, December 5, 2019. Link. Company press release.