Do fever-relieving medicines have anti-COVID activity: an in silico insight

Abstract

Aim: The present study was performed to determine the inhibitory interaction of fever-relieving medicines with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) essential proteins. Materials & methods: Structure-based drug repositioning was performed using PYRX 0.9 and these drugs were directed toward the predicted active site of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain, main protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Results: Results showed that acetaminophen and naproxen have considerable inhibitory activity and show a high affinity for active residues of these proteins. The prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) studies showed that these drugs are anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immunostimulant. Conclusion: Hence, it is proven that these drugs have antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and can stimulate the immune and anti-inflammatory response against this disease.