Molnupiravir

Biological Activity

Molnupiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral prodrug of the nucleoside analog β-D-N⁴-hydroxycytidine (NHC). Molnupiravir competes predominantly with CTP for incorporation; it induces lethal viral mutagenesis by increasing G to A and C to U transition mutations without inhibition of RNA synthesis in replicating coronaviruses, which prevents the development of viral resistance. In primary airway epithelial cell cultures, Molnupiravir dose-dependently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectious virus production; it also inhibits MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV with EC₅₀ values in the submicromolar range. In mice infected with SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV, Molnupiravir improves pulmonary function, and reduces virus titer and body weight loss. Molnupiravir also displays in vivo efficacy against seasonal and pandemic influenza A shed virus. It is orally bioavailable.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Background References

1. An orally bioavailable broad-spectrum antiviral inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in human airway epithelial cell cultures and multiple coronaviruses in mice.
   Sheahan et al.
   Sci.Transl.Med., 2020;12

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