BromAc: A new treatment for COVID-19

Project Member(s): Hansbro, P.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Mucpharm Pty Ltd (Mucpaharm Pty Ltd)
Mucpharm Pty Ltd (Mucpaharm Pty Ltd)

Start year: 2020

Summary: Prof. Morris and his team at Mucpharm have developed a formulation consisting of bromelain and acetylcysteine (BromAc®). It is currently being used as a palliative treatment for a rare disease called pseudomyxoma peritonei (where it is administered to patients intraperitoneally). Prof. Morris has shown (in vitro) that BromAc® can disrupt and completely cleave the glycoproteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This meant it prevented the virus from being able to infect cells. BromAc® is ready to be used in a phase 1 human clinical trial to test whether intranasal delivery of BromAc® to patients who have tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 is safe and effective in reducing viral load. However, before this clinical trial can occur Prof. Morris must first test BromAc® in vivo.

FOR Codes: Respiratory System and Diseases (incl. Asthma), Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology, Cardiovascular medicine and haematology, Clinical health

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.