Potential of Favipiravir and Minocycline Combination Therapy for COVID-19

Abstract

Since the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 in Japan, we have been investigating and anticipating the possibility of anti-inflammatory effects in combination therapy with antibacterial and antiviral agents. Minocycline is an antibacterial agent that has been validated for its anti-inflammatory effects and has a broad antibacterial spectrum. In the present study, we hypothesized the possibility of combination therapy with minocycline and favipiravir for COVID-19. Here, we validated our hypothesis based on the results of preliminary basic experiments and clinical trials. Large-scale clinical trials of minocycline and favipiravir combination therapy are warranted.

Keywords

• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19
• minocycline
• favipiravir
• inflammatory cytokine