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Is Inhaled Furosemide A Potential Therapeutic For COVID-19?
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  • Anja Brennecke,
  • Laura Villar,
  • Zhiyu Wang,
  • Lisa Doyle,
  • Autumn Meek,
  • Mark Reed,
  • Christopher Barden,
  • Donald Weaver
Anja Brennecke
Krembil Research Institute

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Laura Villar
Krembil Research Institute
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Zhiyu Wang
Krembil Research Institute
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Lisa Doyle
Krembil Research Institute
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Autumn Meek
Krembil Research Institute
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Mark Reed
Krembil Research Institute
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Christopher Barden
Krembil Research Institute
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Donald Weaver
Krembil Research Institute
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Abstract

The potentially lethal COVID-19 infection caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Disease Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into a global crisis. There are two major processes that lead to the morbidity and mortality of this disease: initially the viral infection, followed by a host inflammatory response that frequently results in excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα), developing into a self-targeting toxic “cytokine storm” in which the lungs fill with inflammatory secretions causing critical pulmonary tissue damage. Even though the search for a vaccine and anti-viral agents has already been initiated, the de novo development of a safe, COVID-19 specific solution may take years; regrettably, the need for a therapeutic that is available immediately is growing daily. Therefore, repurposing an already approved drug offers a promising approach to address this urgent need. A truly effective therapeutic, however, should be available not only for the single individual in a developed country, but also for the many people in developing countries. As presented in this review, inhaled furosemide, a small molecule capable of inhibiting IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα within the lung, may be an agent capable of treating the COVID-19 cytokine storm in both resource-rich and developing countries. Furosemide is a “repurpose-able” small molecule therapeutic, that is safe, easily synthesized, handled and stored, and is available in reasonable quantities worldwide.
Sep 2020Published in The American Journal of the Medical Sciences volume 360 issue 3 on pages 216-221. 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.05.044