Israeli Defense Ministry: Gaucher’s Disease Drugs Can Treat COVID-19

The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on May 26 that the Israeli Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) has determined that two drugs used for Gaucher’s Disease also can treat COVID-19.

The Times of Israel reported the drugs — Cerdelga and Venglustat — were tested on mice and stopped the virus from replicating in the animals’ cells within 24-48 hours of treatment. Both drugs would need be to taken together to treat the virus.

“Antiviral treatment using both drugs led to a significant reduction in the replication capacity of the coronavirus and to the destruction of the infected cell,” the ministry said in a statement. “The decrease in virus replication prevents further cell damage following infection.”

The IIBR also found that the drugs worked in treating other viruses, including West Nile virus, Sindbis virus and Influenza A. “This indicates their potential in treating various viral diseases effectively — including future outbreaks of new viruses — once they are clinically approved,” the ministry’s statement read.

The IIBR’s research has yet to be peer-reviewed. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Cerdelga for use with COVID-19 patients and is in the process of fast-tracking Venglustat.

The IIBR has also completed testing of its COVID-19 vaccine on mice and is testing it on other animals. The IIBR also has developed multiple antibodies that can be used to treat the virus.