Could nitroxoline also be used topically?
However, the effect against the viruses must follow a different mechanism of action than against bacteria and fungi. “Our results indicate that nitroxolin inhibits host cell signaling pathways that the Mpox virus uses for replication,” explains Michaelis. These pathways are the “PI3K/AKT” and “RAF/MEK/ERK” pathways.
Michaelis can imagine that nitroxolin can be used therapeutically both locally on the virus-related skin lesions and systemically. “Both are conceivable. However, systemic use will probably be necessary, especially for serious cases,” he says.
“The effect has to be confirmed clinically. Since nitroxoline is an established active ingredient that has been used in humans for a long time, this should be relatively easy to do, especially since there is a shortage of specific active ingredients for the treatment of Mpox,” says the researcher about the next research steps on the way to a therapeutic agent.
One advantage is that nitroxoline has a broad effect against the virus, but also against many bacteria that often cause additional inflammation and worsen the course of the disease in the case of an Mpox infection. In addition, the active ingredient is well tolerated.
“The emergence of resistant virus strains is of serious concern. Therefore, the effect of nitroxoline against tecovirimate-resistant viruses is particularly promising,” says Cinatl. “The more different drugs are available to treat viral diseases, the better. We hope that nitroxoline will contribute to the effective treatment of Mpox patients,” says Michaelis.