Breakthrough new chemical discovery in fight against deadly superbugs

Scientists at the University of Hong Kong have identified a ‘highly-potent’ chemical, which they believe may slow down the spread of several deadly viruses, including bird flu, Zika and SARS.

The chemical, which is named AM580, disrupts the flow of lipids from the cell which the virus has infected.

Lead researcher Dr Yuen Kwok-yung, has said the chemical is ‘highly potent in interrupting the life cycle of diverse viruses’.

The recent spread of potentially fatal bird flu strains and other viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have emphasised the pressing need for new drugs that work more effectively and faster than the current vaccines.

Vaccines are only effective against one strain which is a concern as by the time the vaccine has been produced, the virus could have mutated, rendering the vaccine ineffective, whereas broad-spectrum antivirals can be used against multiple pathogens.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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