Publication of a Paper on the Infection Inhibition of Various Mutant Strains of the COVID-19 Virus by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)

Inhibition of Various Strains of SARS-CoV-2 Causing COVID-19 by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) Confirmed

We are pleased to announce that Nagasaki University*1 (located at 1-14 Bunkyo-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, President Shigeru Kohno: hereinafter referred to as Nagasaki University) and NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd.*2 (located at 6-2-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO Satoshi Kawada: hereinafter referred to as NPJ) have conducted infection experiments in cultured cells using the virus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, and its various strains. The results confirmed that 5-aminolevulinic acid*3 (hereinafter referred to as “5-ALA”) has a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on infection.

This study was published in the international journal “Tropical Medicine and Health” on January 7, 2022 (Japan time).

【URL】

https://tropmedhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41182-021-00397-x

 

【Overview】

Since the outbreak of various strains of COVID-19 in 2020, the development of effective countermeasures has become urgently required. 5-ALA, a naturally synthesized amino acid, has been used for various purposes including anticancer therapy and health supplements due to its high biological utility. Our previous research has shown that 5-ALA can completely inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells at certain concentrations.*4 This antiviral effect was observed without any apparent cytotoxicity in both human and non-human cells. Therefore,

further research on 5-ALA as a potential antiviral drug against COVID-19 has been advanced, and similar results have been obtained in tests against various strains using cells.

 

【Research Highlights】

– 5-ALA inhibited the infection of four different strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the Delta variant, in cultured cells.

– 5-ALA showed a concentration-dependent antiviral effect without any cytotoxicity.

– Multiple mechanisms of action, such as blocking the virus’s entry into cells and inhibiting replication within cells, suggest that 5-ALA could be effective against newly emerging strains.

 

【Paper Title and Authors】

Title

Antiviral activity of 5-aminolevulinic acid against variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

Authors

Mya Mya Nwe Thong (Associate Professor, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine) Takaya Sakura (Assistant Professor, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine)

Yasuaki Sakurai (Assistant Professor, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine/Infectious Disease Research Center) Youhei Kurosaki (Associate Professor, Nagasaki University Infectious Disease Research Center)

Ken Daniel Inaoka (Associate Professor, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine/Tropical Medicine and Global Health Graduate School) Michi Shiota (Independent Associate Professor, Kumamoto University Institute of Developmental Medicine/Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Jiro Yasuda (Professor, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine/Infectious Disease Research Center)

Kiyoshi Morita (Professor, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine)

Published in

Tropical Medicine and Health volume 50, Article number: 6 (2022) DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00397-x

 

【Glossary】

*1 Nagasaki University

Established in 1949 (Showa 24), Nagasaki University is a national comprehensive university. During the 1950-60s, the campus was relocated and consolidated, and now houses faculties and research institutes related to medical sciences, including the Medical School, Dental School, Nagasaki University Hospital, and Institute of Tropical Medicine, at Sakamoto Campus. With its geographical and historical background, Nagasaki University has distinguished achievements in tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and radiation medical sciences, holding a wealth of research and a strong lineup of researchers in the field of infectious diseases, making it a leading education and research base for infectious diseases both domestically and internationally.

http://www.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/

 

*2 NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd.

NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd. was established through a joint venture between Neopharma LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Neo ALA Co., Ltd. (formerly Cosmo ALA Co., Ltd.). The NeoPharma Group, headquartered in the UAE, is an international pharmaceutical company that operates manufacturing and sales of medicines primarily in emerging countries in the Middle East. NeoPharma Japan plays a crucial role in Neopharma LLC’s overseas strategy in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, by advancing research and development for various applications of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-

ALA), NeoPharma Japan creates new added value for the entire group. https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/

 

*3 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)

Humans, animals, and plants maintain their life activities by producing energy within cellular organelles called mitochondria. For mitochondria to function, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) plays a vital role. Ultimately, 5-ALA is converted into a substance called “heme” within the mitochondria. Heme is an essential component of the protein “cytochrome” needed to generate energy. Additionally, 5-ALA has been safely used in health foods, cosmetics, pet supplements, feed, and fertilizers for over a decade. 5-ALA is also approved as a diagnostic drug for visualizing brain and bladder cancers in the cancer field. Moreover, it is known to enhance mitochondrial function and is central to ongoing Phase 3 clinician-led trials on mitochondrial diseases at Saitama Medical University.

http://5ala-journal.com/

 

*4 Press release dated February 9, 2021

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) confirmed to inhibit infection by the virus causing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/library/592faa4a16088b6a0b777d96/6022465c38c81ba70586c2e2.pdf