A Novel Chemical Compound for Inhibition of SARS Coronavirus Helicase

Abstract

In 2002, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) broke out in Guangdong Province of China and spread rapidly to many regions. According to the World Health Organization, almost 800 victims were reported and the fatality rate of SARS was about 10%. Fortunately, SARS was controlled in a year and further reoccurrence has not been reported. However, SARS is still regarded as a great concern to human health because effective medicines or vaccinations have not been developed. Therefore, the efforts to develop successful anti-SARS agents should be continued for possible reappearance of threatening SARS.