Lack of evidence to support use of darunavir-based treatments for SARS-CoV-2

Anecdotal, unsubstantiated reports claim that darunavir has antiviral effect against COVID-19Johnson & Johnson has no evidence that darunavir has any effect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19Johnson & Johnson is screening its antiviral compounds, including darunavir, to determine potential in vitro effect against SARS-CoV-2We are partnering with multiple organizations to support the development of research programs and fast-track solutions for COVID-19Considering the large public health and humanitarian implications, we are committed to global efforts to care for those affected, contain the current outbreak and develop measures to tackle future outbreaks. We support broad access to information, and we strongly believe that the development of evidence-based intervention guidelines for COVID-19 is critical. HIV protease inhibitors are being considered as therapeutic options for COVID-19. We believe this use is based on limited, unpublished virologic and clinical data in the treatment of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus.Our first commitment is to the HIV patients who rely on darunavir. Darunavir (DRV) is a protease inhibitor marketed by Janssen. It is currently only approved for use with a “boosting” agent, and in combination use with other antiretrovirals, for the treatment of HIV-1. Of note, DRV should not be administered without a boosting agent (ritonavir or cobicistat) as previous studies of unboosted DR...
Source: Johnson and Johnson - Category: Pharmaceuticals Tags: Corporate Source Type: news