Researchers from University Health Network, a clinical healthcare and biomedical scientific research organization in Toronto, have used a quick mini-genome screening method to identify and test promising anti-Ebola drugs.
UHN — which includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute — suggests the new approach increases the likelihood of finding new therapies faster.
According to Eleanor Fish, PhD, senior scientist in the Toronto General Research Institute, the research team tested Ebola drug combinations as part of their study since lower drug doses may reduce unpleasant side effects.
"Using this technology, scientists will be able to measure the inhibitory effects of their experimental drugs on the replication of Ebola virus, allowing us to compare results with confidence," said Dr. Fish. "This approach will also decrease the possibility of the emergence of drug resistance."
The team's results were validated using fully infectious Ebola virus in a laboratory setting.
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