ADME-Toxicity Trade-Offs In Repurposed Drugs For SARS-Cov-2: Prioritizing Drug Safety And Efficacy.
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Abstract
The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 has prompted a global effort to identify effective therapies, with drug repurposing emerging as a key strategy. However, the selection of repurposed drugs involves careful consideration of ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) properties and potential toxicity risks to ensure drug safety and efficacy. This study systematically evaluated the ADME-toxicity trade-offs in a range of FDA-approved drugs considered for repurposing as SARS-CoV-2 treatments. Using computational tools, including SwissADME and ADMETlab 2.0, critical parameters such as oral bioavailability, metabolic stability, plasma protein binding (PPB), and hepatotoxicity were analyzed for candidate drugs. The study identified key factors that influence drug prioritization, including the balance between antiviral potency and potential adverse effects. Findings highlighted that while some compounds showed strong antiviral activity, their unfavorable ADME profiles, such as low gastrointestinal absorption or high risk of hepatotoxicity, could limit clinical applicability. The analysis emphasized the importance of optimizing drug formulations to enhance efficacy while minimizing toxicity. This research underscores the necessity of a comprehensive ADME-toxicity evaluation to prioritize the safest and most effective drugs for treating COVID-19, providing guidance for future drug development and repurposing efforts.
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References
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