Alan Richardson

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused a significant number of fatalities and worldwide disruption. To identify drugs to repurpose to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections, we established a screen to measure the dimerization of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the primary receptor for the virus. This screen identified fenofibric acid, the active metabolite of fenofibrate. Fenofibric acid also destabilized the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral… Show more

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused a significant number of fatalities and worldwide disruption. To identify drugs to repurpose to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections, we established a screen to measure the dimerization of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the primary receptor for the virus. This screen identified fenofibric acid, the active metabolite of fenofibrate. Fenofibric acid also destabilized the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein and inhibited RBD binding to ACE2 in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and whole cell-binding assays. Fenofibrate and fenofibric acid were tested by two independent laboratories measuring infection of cultured Vero cells using two different SARS-CoV-2 isolates. In both settings at drug concentrations, which are clinically achievable, fenofibrate and fenofibric acid reduced viral infection by up to 70%. Together with its extensive history of clinical use and its relatively good safety profile, this study identifies fenofibrate as a potential therapeutic agent requiring an urgent clinical evaluation to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection Show less

Objective. To determine whether using 3-dimensional (3D) technology to teach pharmacy students about the molecular basis of the interactions between drugs and their targets is more effective than traditional lecture using 2-dimensional (2D) graphics.

Design. Second-year students enrolled in a 4-year masters of pharmacy program in the United Kingdom were randomly assigned to attend either a 3D or 2D presentation on 3 drug targets, the β-adrenoceptor, the Na+-K+ ATPase, and the nicotinic… Show more

Objective. To determine whether using 3-dimensional (3D) technology to teach pharmacy students about the molecular basis of the interactions between drugs and their targets is more effective than traditional lecture using 2-dimensional (2D) graphics.

Design. Second-year students enrolled in a 4-year masters of pharmacy program in the United Kingdom were randomly assigned to attend either a 3D or 2D presentation on 3 drug targets, the β-adrenoceptor, the Na+-K+ ATPase, and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Assessment. A test was administered to assess the ability of both groups of students to solve problems that required analysis of molecular interactions in 3D space. The group that participated in the 3D teaching presentation performed significantly better on the test than the group who attended the traditional lecture with 2D graphics. A questionnaire was also administered to solicit students’ perceptions about the 3D experience. The majority of students enjoyed the 3D session and agreed that the experience increased their enthusiasm for the course.

Conclusions. Viewing a 3D presentation of drug-receptor interactions improved student learning compared to learning from a traditional lecture and 2D graphics. Show less