Scientists have discovered a promising new antiviral compound, WEHI-P8, that prevents long COVID symptoms in mice, offering hope for future human treatments. Developed by researchers at Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), the drug targets PLpro, an essential coronavirus enzyme involved in viral replication and suppression of the host immune response.
Unlike existing antivirals like Paxlovid, which target a different enzyme (Mpro), WEHI-P8 acts through a novel chemical scaffold and binding mechanism. It demonstrated strong protection not only against acute SARS-CoV-2 infection but also against long-term complications such as lung damage, brain inflammation and behavioral impairments that mirror human post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).
The drug was particularly effective when administered early and outperformed Paxlovid in reducing inflammation and preventing neurological symptoms in a severe disease model. It also showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity against other pathogenic coronaviruses, raising its potential for future pandemic preparedness. Importantly, the study also introduced a clinically relevant mouse model of long COVID. This model replicates a wide range of long-term symptoms and provides a platform for testing preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting PASC, which affects millions globally and currently has no approved treatments.
While the findings are still in the preclinical stage, the proof-of-principle supports PLpro as a critical therapeutic target. The next steps will involve detailed toxicology studies, optimized dosing and human clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy.
Disclaimer: This research is based on animal models. WEHI-P8 has not yet undergone human testing and further studies are needed before clinical use can be considered.
