‘It's a virus, Jim, but not as we know it…’

Abstract

As a fan of anything vaguely sci‐fi related, it was impossible to resist the opportunity to comment on the fascinating article by Mark Greener in this month's issue of Prescriber about pharmacological research in the microgravity of space. This environment presents a unique opportunity to better understand essential pathophysiological processes such as those involved in bone development, endothelial dysfunction and cancer cell growth. The possibility of growing drug crystals with different pharmacokinetic profiles, and implications for tissue engineering, are also of interest. At present, space research clearly remains primarily something for nation states. However, it seems only a matter of time before rapidly growing commercial activity progresses from satellites and space tourism, to extra‐terrestrial drug research. Coronavirus emergency One thing that was still afflicting Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise in the mid‐23rd century was the common cold. But here on Earth, a related virus is currently a far more serious worry. The alarming spread of the Wuhan coronavirus has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. The mainstay of management has, of course, been public health measures. The building of two hospitals, each in just over one week, is a further testament to the massive efforts being made to tackle the issue. But what about pharmaceutical solutions? Drug development takes longer than construction work. Nevertheless, we are in a much stronger position for dealing with epidemic situations than we were a decade ago. The Institut Pasteur in Paris took only three days to sequence the new virus, and researchers have been able to draw on past experience from the SARS and Ebola outbreaks. A number of organisations have indeed identified candidate vaccines as a result, with animal testing imminent. However, success is not a given, as it is not possible to know the immunogenic potential of the viral proteins being targeted by the various vaccines. Alternative strategies such as repurposing existing antivirals, or neutralising the virus by developing antibodies that block cell entry, also need exploring. However, with thorough human testing of all these strategies likely to take considerable time, and vaccine trials only expected to be completed by the end of the year, there is an anxious wait ahead.