Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates Johnson and Johnson (J&J) have noted the lack of evidence that its HIV drug darunavir has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
Currently, HIV protease inhibitors are being considered as potential treatments for the new viral infection. J&J says that the use supports limited, unpublished virologic and clinical data in SARS coronavirus patients.
Darunavir is a protease inhibitor marketed by the company’s unit Janssen Pharmaceutical. The drug has approval as a boosting agent for use in combination with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1.