Australian biologists discover new way to stop coronavirus multiplication

Biologists from the University of Melbourne, Australia, published an article describing a technology that can stop the multiplication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the human body, Report informs, citing foreign media outlets.

In order to deprive SARS-CoV-2 of the ability to reproduce, scientists used CHRISP technology, with which it is possible to change the genome of the virus.

The modified Cas13b enzyme cut the RNA molecule of the coronavirus, thereby suppressing gene expression - the process of forming proteins that carry genetic information. The effectiveness of the method was 98%.

Australian biologists managed to prevent replication in various variants of the virus, including new strains that the World Health Organization considers to be the most dangerous.

The study authors note that molecular copying of the enzyme will create antiviral drugs. These drugs will be able to suppress a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 strains. Besides, they can be easily adapted to new pathogenic viruses.