Publication of a Paper on the Infection Inhibition of the COVID-19 Virus by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)
02/09/2021
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) Discovered ~Expected as a Future Candidate for Treatment~
~Expected as a Future Candidate for Treatment~
Nagasaki University (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, President: Shigeru Kawano) and NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Satoshi Kawata) have discovered a strong inhibitory effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5ALA) on the infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, in cultured cells.
This research was officially published in the international journal ‘Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications’ on February 8, 2021. Following the announcement on October 29, 2020, Nagasaki University and NeoPharma Japan will continue to conduct clinical studies.
URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X2100156X
Overview: With the ongoing spread of COVID-19, the development of effective treatments is urgently required. 5-ALA is a naturally synthesized amino acid used in various applications such as anticancer therapies and health foods. Our research has demonstrated that 5-ALA strongly inhibits the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells, an effect observed without any significant cytotoxicity in both human and non-human cells. Therefore, 5-ALA holds potential as an antiviral drug candidate against COVID-19.
Research Highlights:
- 5-ALA inhibited the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells.
- The antiviral effects of 5-ALA were more pronounced in human cells than in non-human cells.
- 5-ALA showed dose-dependent antiviral effects without cytotoxicity.
Paper Title and Authors: ‘5-aminolevulinic acid inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro’
Published in: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 545, March 19, 2021, Pages 203-207
Glossary:
*1 Nagasaki University, established in 1949, has undergone campus relocations and consolidations throughout the 1950-60s. Its Sakamoto campus houses the medical faculties and research institutes, including the School of Medicine, Dental School, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine. Nagasaki University stands out in the fields of tropical medicine and infectious diseases with a rich research tradition and is a leading educational and research institution both in Japan and internationally. (http://www.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/)
*2 NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd. was established as a joint venture between Neopharma LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and neo ALA Co., Ltd. (formerly Cosmo ALA Co., Ltd.). It plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector of Neopharma LLC’s global strategy. Moreover, NeoPharma Japan enhances the group’s overall value by advancing the development of various applications for 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). (https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/)
*3 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is crucial for the function of mitochondria, cellular organelles that sustain life by producing energy. It is ultimately transformed into ‘heme’ within the mitochondria, a necessary component of cytochromes that produce energy. Heme also assists in transporting oxygen within red blood cells by binding to globin to form hemoglobin. The amino acid has been used safely in health foods, cosmetics, pet supplements, and more for over a decade. 5-ALA has also been approved as a pharmaceutical for visualizing brain and bladder cancers and is known for enhancing mitochondrial function, with ongoing phase 3 clinical trials led by Saitama Medical University. (http://5ala-journal.com/)
*4 October 29, 2020, announcement: ‘Start of a Specific Clinical Study on COVID-19 Patients Using 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) by Nagasaki University’. All necessary procedures at Nagasaki University Hospital were completed, and the study commenced on February 4th. (https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/library/592faa4a16088b6a0b777d96/5f9a3e02c3bfdbcd742f9140.pdf)
Contact for Research: Professor Tomomi Takano, Department of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, 35-1 Higashi 23-bancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 034-8628
Contact for Media: Public Relations Division, Kitasato Institute, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Tel: 03-5791-6422, Email: kohoh@kitasato-u.ac.jp
