Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.12.246389v1?rss=1 Authors: Risner, K., Tieu, K. V., Wang, Y., Bakovic, A., Bhalla, N., Nathan, S., Conway, D. E., Macklin, P., Narayanan, A. Abstract: In an effort to identify therapeutic intervention strategies for the treatment of COVID-19, we have investigated a selection of FDA-approved small molecules and biologics that are commonly used to treat other human diseases. A screen of 19 small molecules and 3 biologics was conducted in cell culture and the impact of treatment on viral titer was quantified by plaque assay. The screen identified 4 FDA-approved small molecules, Maraviroc, FTY720 (Fingolimod), Atorvastatin and Nitazoxanide that were able to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Confocal microscopy with over expressed S protein demonstrated that Maraviroc reduced the extent of S-protein mediated cell fusion as observed by fewer multinucleate cells in drug-treated cells. Mathematical modeling of drug-dependent viral multiplication dynamics revealed that prolonged drug treatment will exert an exponential decrease in viral load in a multicellular/tissue environment. Taken together, the data demonstrate that Maraviroc, Fingolimod, Atorvastatin and Nitazoxanide inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info