In combination with antiviral drugs, the signaling substance interferon-beta can fight the corona virus very efficiently - at least in the laboratory.

This was shown by a team from the Universities of Frankfurt and Kent.

The researchers tested how well remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir (the active ingredient in Paxlovid) and aprotinin can switch off SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures when given together with Betaferon.

Sasha Zoske

Sheet maker in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung.

  • Follow I follow

The effectiveness against the variants Delta and Omikron was examined.

Of the four combinations, only that with remdesivir proved less effective;

the other three, according to the scientists, can be tested clinically.

They hope that this will improve treatment options, especially for immunocompromised patients in whom vaccination has not worked.

The more effective treatment of corona infections in people with a weakened immune system would also reduce the risk of new virus variants emerging.