ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1000-5273
Date of Award
Winter 1-10-2021
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
Liposomal delivery of Remdesivir for localized and targeted treatment of COVID-19
COVID-19 is a serious, and in many cases lethal, disease that is caused by infection of the upper respiratory tract by the novel betacoronavirus, SARS-Cov-2 virus. This disease has a very high mortality rate and has affected the world in a global pandemic. SARS-Cov-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor via the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the S protein. After this, the virus fuses with the cell membrane by the formation of a six-helix bundle. Thus, the S protein plays a major role in ensuring that the virus attaches to the ACE2 receptor and enables the viral fusion, entry and transmission. The ACE2 receptor is essentially the main point of entry for the virus. Some research efforts have been focused on drugs that can be used for viral-entry inhibition by targeting human ACE2 receptors. Remdesivir, an antiviral, is a nucleoside RNA polymerase inhibitor which causes premature termination of viral transcription. Although it is not FDA approved, it is the current standard of care as some studies have indicated that Remdesivir use leads to reduced mortality. However, the possible side effects observed are increased levels of liver transaminase, hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction and potential renal failure. The goal of this study is to improve the therapeutic effects and reduce the side effects by the localized delivery of Remdesivir using liposomes that target ACE2 receptors in the body.
Language
English (en)
Chair
Dr Kareem Azab
Committee Members
Dr Kareem Azab, Chair Dr Dinesh Thotala Dr Armin Ghobadi