Published • loading... • Updated
Chocolate Compound Drug Reportedly Beats Tamiflu
HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM, ISRAEL, AUG 6 – The new Theobromine-Arainosine drug combo targets a viral ion channel and neutralizes drug-resistant flu strains, offering a potential alternative to Tamiflu, researchers said.
- Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem published on August 4, 2025, a drug combo including a chocolate compound that outperforms Tamiflu against flu strains.
- The team developed this treatment due to the increasing ineffectiveness of Tamiflu as influenza viruses mutate and resist existing drugs.
- Theobromine and Arainosine block the M2 ion channel, a viral feature vital for replication, and the combo reduced viral RNA in lungs by over 75% in tests.
- The treatment reduced viral RNA levels by 15,717-fold, significantly outperforming Tamiflu’s 3,077-fold reduction, and Prof. Isaiah Arkin emphasized that this represents more than simply an improved flu medication.
- ViroBlock, a Hebrew University startup, is advancing this therapy toward human trials, indicating potential for broader antiviral applications beyond influenza.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
New drug combo outperforms Tamiflu in fighting flu
A surprising new drug combo—including a compound found in chocolate—has outperformed Tamiflu in fighting the flu, according to a study published in PNAS. The mix of Theobromine and Arainosine proved far more effective against a range of flu strains, including drug-resistant versions of bird and swine flu. By targeting a key viral weakness, this breakthrough could lead to stronger, longer-lasting treatments—not just for the flu,…
·Washington, United States
Read Full Article
Health Rounds: Flu drug with compound found in chocolate tops Tamiflu in early study
An experimental flu-fighting drug combination that includes a compound found in chocolate is more effective than the current most commonly used influenza treatment, researchers reported in PNAS.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
100% Center
C 100%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
