The danger continues
The current agenda focuses on ongoing issues aimed at protecting sanitary and epidemiological health within the Russian Federation, with emphasis on the outcomes of the two year pandemic.
“Nothing is finished. Today the situation is localized and cannot be considered resolved. Every time measures for this infection are weakened in a key area, we see more growth,” stated Anna Popova, chief medical officer of the Russian Federation and head of Rospotrebnadzor, during a congress assessing the present status of COVID-19 in Russia. The message underscored that vigilance remains essential and localized flareups require sustained response across regions.
COVID-19 is gradually appearing like a seasonal ARVI, yet it retains the traits of a highly dangerous infection, especially for individuals with risk factors. The danger arises from the similarity of symptoms among COVID-19, influenza, and seasonal SARS. Worldwide scientists are pursuing universal antiviral drugs by examining existing molecules, including umifenovir.
In total, more than 120 preclinical and clinical studies on umifenovir have been conducted, with about a third conducted abroad. Source: International pharmacology research summaries
• Scripps Research Institute in the United States confirmed umifenovir activity against different coronavirus strains: the molecule reduces the virus’s ability to enter cells and reproduce. Source: Scripps Research Institute findings
• A team of Chinese researchers outlines a fundamentally new mechanism of inhibiting sialoglycans. Sialic acid, implicated in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, influences the immune response. It is possible that severe COVID-19 correlates with high body sialic acid levels, which appear in inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, heart disease and cancer, as well as in asthma and COPD. Source: Chinese research collaboration
• Studies from Ufa and Novosibirsk, with the participation of Rinat Maksyutov, Director General of State Studies, Doctor of Biological Sciences, explored the refined interaction between the umifenovir molecule and the S-protein of the coronavirus. The researchers found the drug can bind to the surface or internal portions of the S-protein, weakening its structure and hindering the virus from entering the host cell. Source: Vector Virology Center
• Umifenovir demonstrated effectiveness, safety, and tolerability in patients with mild asymptomatic disease in a premarket Phase 3 trial conducted by Indian scientists. Source: Indian clinical pharmacology studies
Modern approach to treatment
A symposium on the clinical and epidemiological consequences of influenza and COVID-19 during the 2021-2022 season featured the session Forecasts for the Future. Led by Vladimir Chulanov, Chief Freelance Specialist for Infectious Diseases at the Russian Ministry of Health, and Academician Viktor Maleev, the gathering summarized the latest global and domestic research on coronavirus infection. Reports covered virology and epidemiology of the current influenza season, preclinical antiviral activity against coronaviruses in Russia, and pharmacoepidemiological results from COVID-19 practice. Source: Russian Ministry of Health symposium records
Irina Leneva, Doctor of Biological Sciences and head of the Experimental Virology Laboratory at NIIVS named after Mechnikov, discussed umifenovir as a universal antiviral drug and noted that when taken, viruses are blocked from entering cells. The mechanism involves direct action on various respiratory viruses without dampening the human immune system. In relation to different COVID-19 strains, including Omicron, the explanation centers on the blockage of specific viral proteins. The drug remains among the Ministry of Health’s recommendations for treating and preventing COVID-19. Source: NIIVS Mechnikov briefing
“A key principle,” Leneva concluded, “is to begin broad spectrum antiviral therapy early in the outpatient phase to reduce complication risk.”
The symptoms of all acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19, are strikingly similar. Time is needed to determine the exact cause, which is outside control. The sooner proper treatment starts, the more effective it becomes, according to Elena Burtseva, another symposium participant. Source: symposium proceedings
Experts emphasize timely therapy to lower the risk of complications. When SARS symptoms appear, direct-acting antivirals such as umifenovir, Arbidol as a common brand, should be started promptly. Continuation of antiviral therapy as prescribed helps prevent viral reactivation and ongoing replication. A full course of treatment can prevent complications, especially when initiated early. Source: clinical guidelines and expert summaries