Repurposed Use of the Alkaloids Emetine and Cephaeline to Treat Zika Virus Infection

This technology includes the use of two related compounds, Emetine and Cephaeline, as a potent inhibitor of the Zika virus (ZIKV). Emetine and it's analog Cephaeline were identified in a high-throughput assay aimed at identifying anti-ZIKV compounds. Both Emetine and Cephaeline are potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in cell culture, and Emeline is a potent inhibitor of ZIKV infection in a live mouse model. These compounds were previously identified in an ipecac root crude extract which was used as a treatment for amoebic dysentery in addition to being used as an emetic agent, depending on dosage. While there has been some cardiotoxicity reported with high dosage of emetine, the effective IC50 observed in cell culture and mice is well below the toxic dosage.