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. 2020 Dec;56(6):106202.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106202. Epub 2020 Oct 16.

Methylene blue inhibits replication of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

Mathieu Gendrot  1 , Julien Andreani  2 , Isabelle Duflot  2 , Manon Boxberger  2 , Marion Le Bideau  2 , Joel Mosnier  3 , Priscilla Jardot  2 , Isabelle Fonta  3 , Clara Rolland  2 , Hervé Bogreau  3 , Sébastien Hutter  2 , Bernard La Scola  4 , Bruno Pradines  5
Affiliations

Methylene blue inhibits replication of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

Mathieu Gendrot et al. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China. Currently there is no antiviral treatment recommended against SARS-CoV-2. Identifying effective antiviral drugs is urgently required. Methylene blue has already demonstrated in vitro antiviral activity in photodynamic therapy as well as antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities in non-photodynamic assays. In this study. non-photoactivated methylene blue showed in vitro activity at very low micromolar range with an EC50 (median effective concentration) of 0.30 ± 0.03 μM and an EC90 (90% effective concentration) of 0.75 ± 0.21 μM at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.25 against SARS-CoV-2 (strain IHUMI-3). The EC50 and EC90 values for methylene blue are lower than those obtained for hydroxychloroquine (1.5 μM and 3.0 μM) and azithromycin (20.1 μM and 41.9 μM). The ratios Cmax/EC50 and Cmax/EC90 in blood for methylene blue were estimated at 10.1 and 4.0, respectively, following oral administration and 33.3 and 13.3 following intravenous administration. Methylene blue EC50 and EC90 values are consistent with concentrations observed in human blood. We propose that methylene blue is a promising drug for treatment of COVID-19. In vivo evaluation in animal experimental models is now required to confirm its antiviral effects on SARS-CoV-2. The potential interest of methylene blue to treat COVID-19 needs to be confirmed by prospective comparative clinical studies.

Keywords: Antiviral; COVID-19; Coronavirus; In vitro; Methylene blue; SARS-CoV-2.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
Bar chart displaying the ratios Cmax/EC50 (black) and Cmax/EC90 (grey) for methylene blue, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Cmax, maximum concentration in blood; EC50, median effective concentration; EC90, 90% effective concentration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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