MIT makes Superdrug that may be able to eliminate all viruses

All individuals have dreamed of a heal for the common cold. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have revealed a possible “Superdrug” that might heal any virus under the sun. The drug is long way from human trials but has been successful in killing viruses in mice by attacking genetic materials in viruses.

Source of article:MIT cre-ates Superdrug that could be in the position to get rid of all viruses

Genetic code of viruses targeted by drug

Time reports that the journal PLoS One published an article from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that has incredible findings. The common cold might now be killed by this superbug called DRACO. It also can kill viruses including hemorrhagic, fevers, polio, and all the strains of influenza. The narcotic targets the genetic information that viruses use to replicate. Ribonucleic acid is what DRACO, or Double-stranded RNA Activated Capsase Oligomerizer, attacks according to MIT news.

Good way to treat illness

When healthy cells become unhealthy and infected they create a double-stranded RNA and then the virus replicates throughout the body. Eventually the infected cells die. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology research started because there are so many drugs out there that target infections, however none that can effectively target viruses. There are medications out there that target specific viruses but none that target a wide spectrum of viral diseases period. One component of DRACO latches onto the double-stranded RNA, or dsRNA, that virus-infected cells produce. The other component initiates a process called apoptosis, or cellular self-destruction. The human body’s natural defenses are triggered by DRACO to discover and destroy the invading cells. However, according to United States News and World Report, DRACO does not destroy any cells in its path, it targets viral dsRNA alone, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

The mouse cure

The study looked at the effects of DRACO in various mammalian cells, including human and mouse, and found the drug was effective in healing 15 different viruses. However, according to United States News and World Report, DRACO is not going to be accessible for some time. The researchers estimate it will be a decade before animal and human trials could have concluded and DRACO will be available for human use.

Citations

Time

MIT News

U.S. News and World Report

CNET

Wikipedia on RNA

Centers for Disease Control
 
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