stannous protoporphyrin IX + sulfonated tetranaphthyl porphyrin

SnPP protoporphyrin-Kafrelsheikh University-COVID-19 refers to an experimental therapeutic regimen developed by researchers at Kafrelsheikh University, involving the combination of stannous protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) and sulfonated porphyrins such as sulfonated tetranaphthyl porphyrin (TNapPS) or sulfonated porphyrins (TPPS). This approach utilizes the principles of photodynamic therapy (PDT), where these small-molecule porphyrins act as photosensitizers that are activated by sunlight or visible light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are hypothesized to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus by targeting the viral envelope, causing protein oxidation and genomic damage. Additionally, SnPP serves as a competitive inhibitor of heme oxygenase, an enzyme that degrades heme; this inhibition is intended to prevent the virus from binding to the porphyrin of heme and displacing iron, a process suggested to contribute to the pathology of COVID-19. The therapy was evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory failure.

Other names

SnPP protoporphyrin-Kafrelsheikh University-COVID-19Sn-protoporphyrin IXSunlight-activated synthetic porphyrin