Molecular Modeling and Preliminary Clinical Data Suggesting Antiviral Activity for Chlorpheniramine (Chlorphenamine) Against COVID-19

Abstract

Chlorpheniramine maleate, a widely used over-the-counter antihistamine, has been identified as a structural analog of aminoquinolines known to possess antiviral activity against the Betacoronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Structural similarities include the chlorophenyl group, pyridine ring, alkyl sidechain, and terminal tertiary amine; the comparison of aqueous energy-minimized structures indicates significant three-dimensional similarity as well. Preliminary clinical evidence supports these conclusions. The present study suggests that chlorpheniramine possesses antiviral activity against COVID-19.