An unexpected discovery comes from the workshops of the Jewish University of Jerusalem: a molecule contained in chocolate, theobromine, has proven to be able to block the flu virus, and even more effectively than the well -known antiviral drug Tamiflu.
Together with another compound called Arainosine, the theobromine forms a synergistic mix that manages to neutralize even the most resistant viral strains. The research results were published on the prestigious scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
It is not only a new possible therapy, but also a completely different approach to combat viruses: instead of chasing their continuous mutations, this strategy aims to hit one of their most stable and fundamental structures for replication.
How does the discovery work?
Every year the seasonal influence affects millions of people, forcing young and old to bed and causing very high health and economic costs. Vaccines are important, but require frequent updates. Antivirals like Tamiflu, on the other hand, are losing effectiveness: viruses change too quickly and become resistant.
Israeli researchers have chosen to change point of view. Instead of attacking the external parts of the virus – the most subject to mutations – have identified a vulnerable point inside: it is called the Ionian channel M2 and is a kind of molecular “valve” that allows the virus to replicate.
Stopping this valve means preventing the virus from spreading. Some drugs had tried in the past, but the resistance had developed quickly. So the research team looked for molecules capable of blocking this channel in a more stable way. And found it in chocolate.
The winning couple blocking the virus and works where other drugs do not arrive
To identify the most promising molecules, the researchers created an advanced analysis system based on genetically modified bacteria. Over over 2,800 tested compounds, Theobromine – naturally present in dark chocolate – has given interesting signals.
But the real surprise came when it was combined with Arainosine, a derivative of an old antiviral drug. Alone, these two molecules were not particularly effective. But together, they showed a surprising power in stopping the replication of the virus.
Also in the presence of aggressive and resistant flu strains, such as H1N1 (pig influence) and H5N1 (avian influenza), the combination has neutralized the virus, demonstrating an effectiveness higher than that of Tamiflu.
And all this with extremely low doses: 10 nanomoli of Arainosine are enough with 30 teobromine nanomoli to obtain complete protection of infected cells.
It could also work against other viruses
One of the main problems of antivirals is that the virus quickly learns to defend itself, developing mutations that make drugs useless. But in this case, scientists have observed that theobromine behaves in a different way: it acts by blocking the entrance of the M2 channel, while the Arainosine binds deeper.
This combined action makes it very difficult for the virus to adapt and find a way to get around the block. Not only that: the Ionian channels like M2 are not exclusive to the flu. They are also present in other viruses, including some coronavirus.
Therefore, this discovery could lead not only to a new generation of influence drugs, but also to a wider strategy, to be used in the case of new epidemics or pandemics.
The research is still in the pre-clinical phase, but the results are so promising that a start-up has already been born, Viroblock, with the aim of transforming this discovery into a real treatment, available for the public.
Combined therapies are complex to develop, but there are encouraging precedents, such as Paxlovid, the drug used for Covid-19. If the next phases confirm the effectiveness of this combination, theobromine – a natural mixture of chocolate – could become a concrete weapon against the flu virus.
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