AAC00835-24R1 - Intranasal Liposomal Angiotensin-(1-7) Administration Reduces Inflammation and Viral Load in the lungs during SARS-CoV-2 Infection in K18-hACE2 Transgenic Mice

This study aimed to develop a liposomal formulation of the peptide angiotensin-(1-7) (LAng (1-7)) and evaluate its antiviral, anti-inflammatory effects, and impact on survival in transgenic K18-hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The liposomal formulation was prepared using the ethanol injection method, with an average diameter of 100 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.1. After intranasal administration every 12 hours for 5 days, LAng (1-7) extended the survival of the animals compared to control groups, and significantly reduced viral load as well as IL-6 and TNF levels in the lungs. Conventional treatment with remdesivir, administered parenterally, also improved survival and reduced viral load, but had no significant effect on IL-6 levels. Therefore, liposomal Ang-(1-7) emerges as a promising approach to enhance treatment and reduce the severity of respiratory infections such as COVID-19.