DRECOR – Drug REpurposing for CORona with drug delivery systems for drug candidates targeting SARS-CoV-2

The repurposing of already approved drugs, which can be accomplished relatively quickly, opens up new options for the treatment of COVID‑19. To improve the efficacy of such drug candidates, Fraunhofer IGB and the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Drug Discovery and Delivery @ Hebrew University (FIP_DD@HUJI) are developing nanoparticular systems for targeted drug delivery at the infection site.

© Fraunhofer IGB
Cell-based assay.

In order to quickly provide therapeutics for the treatment of patients suffering from COVID‑19, drugs already approved for other indications can be screened to determine whether they are also suitable for the treatment of a SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. This approach is known as repurposing.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME has already identified several drug candidates against SARS‑CoV‑2 from a repurposing library. In order to improve the efficacy of these candidates and to reduce possible side effects, the release of these drugs should take place as specifically as possible at the site of infection. Based on the criteria of biological activity, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and physicochemical properties, five drug candidates were selected for further investigation of suitable formulations for application to the respiratory tract.

In parallel with the identification of the drug candidates, Fraunhofer IGB has developed tissue- and cell type-specific nanoparticular drug delivery systems for these drugs together with FIP_DD@HUJI. The partners are drawing on experience in formulating antiviral compounds against HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus) for safe transport and targeted release in human 3D tissue models. These formulations are based on liposomal release systems, which will now be investigated in combination with the drug candidates.

Project information

Project title

Cluster project "DRECOR – Drug REpurposing for CORona" with subproject "Delivery4COVID-19 – Drug delivery systems for drug candidates targeting SARS-CoV-2"

 

Project duration

September 2020 – September 2021

 

Project partners

  • Fraunhofer IME (IME-TMP, IME-MB) (Coordination)
  • Fraunhofer ITEM
  • Fraunhofer IGB and FIP_DD@HUJI
  • Fraunhofer ISC (TLZ-RT)
  • Fraunhofer EMFT
  • Fraunhofer IBMT
  • Fraunhofer IZI

 

Project funding

This work was supported by the Fraunhofer InternaI Programs under Grant No. Anti-Corona 840260 (»Fraunhofer vs. Corona«)