Inhaled Dry Powder Formulation of Tamibarotene, a Broad?Spectrum Antiviral against Respiratory Viruses Including SARS?CoV?2 and Influenza Virus

In response to the epidemic and pandemic threats caused by emerging respiratory viral infections, a safe efficient broad-spectrum antiviral therapy at early onset of infection can significantly improve patients’ outcome. Inhaled dry powder is easy administer delivers agent directly primary site infection, thereby minimizing systemic side effects. Here, spray freeze drying (SFD) technique employed formulate tamibarotene, retinoid derivative with activity, as inhalable powder. The SFD tamibarotene exhibits desirable physicochemical aerodynamic properties for inhalation. Pulmonary delivery results in rapid absorption higher bioavailability compared intraperitoneal injection unformulated drug animals. More importantly, inhalation or intranasal formulation displays activity against severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Middle East coronavirus, 2009 influenza A virus (H1N1) mouse hamster models targeting lower upper airways, efficacy comparable superior commercially available antivirals remdesivir zanamivir specific virus. These present promising strategy combat various infections including SARS-CoV-2 virus, even co-infection.