Bepridil is potent against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

Guided by a computational docking analysis, we experimentally characterized about 30 FDA/EMA-approved drugs on their inhibition of essential main protease of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of COVID-19. From this study, we discovered that bepridil, an antianginal medication, is potent against SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral analysis of bepridil indicated that it had low micromolar EC₅₀ values in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 in two highly permissive mammalian cell lines. Due to the urgent matter of COVID-19, our current study encourages further preclinical investigations of bepridil in animal models to clear its path for clinical uses in COVID-19 patients.