Common drugs may help dangerous viruses spread through the body

Common drugs may help dangerous viruses spread through the body

A surprising discovery reveals that widely used anti-inflammatory drugs may unintentionally help dangerous viruses spread through the body. Scientists found that JAK inhibitors, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, can weaken a crucial immune defense against influenza, COVID-19, and other infections. By suppressing genes that normally fight viruses, these medications may leave patients more vulnerable to infection.

How Common Medicines May Help Dangerous Viruses Spread Throughout the Body

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a widely used class of anti-inflammatory drugs, may weaken antiviral defenses and make it easier for certain viruses to infect cells and spread through the body. The findings raise concerns about their use in patients with active or [...]