DS-2319a (nafamostat)

DS-2319a is an investigational inhalation formulation of nafamostat mesylate, a synthetic serine protease inhibitor originally developed by Daiichi Sankyo. While nafamostat has been used clinically in Japan for decades to treat pancreatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), DS-2319a was specifically developed as a repurposed treatment for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection). The drug's mechanism of action in this context involves the potent inhibition of Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a host cell surface enzyme that the SARS-CoV-2 virus exploits to prime its spike protein for entry into human cells. By delivering the drug directly to the respiratory tract via inhalation, DS-2319a aimed to achieve high local concentrations at the primary site of viral replication while minimizing systemic exposure. Development reached Phase 1 clinical trials before the program was discontinued.

Brand names

Futhan

Other names

nafamostat mesylatenafamostat mesilate