A Possible Cure for the Common Cold?

It always amazes me how something called “common” can be so incredibly tiring and draining. When I get a cold, it’s as though the world is at a distance and I’m almost participating in life from a 3rd person perspective… can you relate? Fortunately it sounds as though a cure for this nagging virus might be possible. After doing a bit of research, I’ve learned that a new development in the fight against the common cold and other viral infections could completely change the medical world. Currently patients at a doctor visit have little options to fight the common cold. Antibiotics have no effect on the common cold and other viruses, and as any RN (Registered Nurse) can attest, it can be a frustrating ordeal to send a patient home with little more than advice. A new drug, DRACO, is currently in development and is reported to target a variety of viral infections and kill them. DRACO or Double-stranded RNA Activated Caspase Oligomerizers was developed by Todd Rider and others at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory. They drew inspiration for the drug from the body’s own defense system and wanted to create a drug to fight viruses which have very few treatments available. The team designed DRACO to be broad-spectrum to cure not just the common cold, but the H1N1 influenza virus, a polio virus, dengue fever, and several other types of hemorrhagic fever. DRACO works by targeting a type of RNA, called double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is produced only in virus infected cells. Proteins in human cells then latch onto dsRNA as part of our natural defense system to fight the virus. When DRACO enters the body it searches every cell to look for all presence of dsRNA. When it binds with dsRNA it signals apoptosis or cell suicide. If no dsRNA is found in the cell DRACO leaves the cell unharmed. Currently, tests are being done on human and animal cells in the lab. Tests are even being done on mice infected with H1N1 influenza virus. The mice treated with DRACO were completely cured of the virus and no side effects were reported. Members of the Lincoln Lab are hoping to start trials shortly on larger animals and then eventually on humans. The test results of this new drug are very promising. It may even help reduce antibiotic-resistant diseases. And since we’re discussing antibiotics, take a look at the recent article posted by our CNO, Kerry Torres: http://www.prnhealthservices.com/health-news/antibiotics-are-always-the-answer-right-/95. It’s interesting stuff that we as nurses should continue learning about. Hopefully in the near future we will have a cure for a variety of viral infections that have no known cure or antibiotic. A nurse during a doctor visit will have an answer for patients that will have them at full health in no time. RN’s, doctors, and patients rejoice DRACO may be the answer to the common cold, allowing us give better patient care than we already do.