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Research Article
Revised

Virtual screen for repurposing approved and experimental drugs for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection

[version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
PUBLISHED 16 Feb 2015
Author details Author details
OPEN PEER REVIEW
REVIEWER STATUS

This article is included in the Emerging Diseases and Outbreaks gateway.

This article is included in the Ebola Virus collection.

Abstract

The ongoing Ebola virus epidemic has presented numerous challenges with respect to control and treatment because there are no approved drugs or vaccines for the Ebola virus disease (EVD). Herein is proposed simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection. We performed a repurposing screen of 6438 drugs from DrugBank using this criterion and selected 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of EVD including 15 anti-malarial drugs and 32 antibiotics. An open source Web server allowing screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs for treatment of EVD was also established.

Keywords

Ebola virus, drug candidates, entry inhibitors, virtual screening

Revised Amendments from Version 1

According to Referees’ suggestions we have made the following changes: (i) the explanation why some compounds from Ref. 3 are not included in Dataset1 was added in Material and methods, (ii) the explanation of the AQVN/ISM concept is moved from the Material and methods to Introduction. (iii) Results and discussion is divided in two separate sections.

See the authors' detailed response to the review by Bruno Botta
See the authors' detailed response to the review by Patrick Butaye

Introduction

The current Ebola virus outbreak is one of the largest outbreaks of its kind in history and the first in West Africa. By January 14, 2015, a total of 21296 probable and confirmed cases, including 8429 deaths from Ebola virus disease (EVD), had been reported from five countries in West Africa - Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone (http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/148237/2/roadmapsitrep_14Jan2015_eng.pdf?ua=1). EVD with a high case-fatality rate of 40% and with currently no approved vaccine or therapy, represents a major public health threat.

In response to the current Ebola virus outbreak, the international community has urged for accelerated development of drugs against EVD but also has endorsed the clinical use of unregistered treatments for Ebola1. Conventional time and the money consuming approach of drug development (> 10 years; > 2 billions $) does not meet the current urgent need for anti-Ebola drugs. Repurposing or repositioning of existing drugs could overcome some of these obstacles and help in the rapid discovery and development of therapeutics for EVD, although this approach does not negate the need for some preclinical studies and clinical trials for validation of the proposed indications. Recently, results of two large repurposing screenings of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs have been reported. In the first study, Madrid and co-workers performed in vitro and in vivo (in mice) screening of 1012 FDA-approved drugs and selected 24 candidate entry inhibitors for Ebola virus2. In the second study, 53 inhibitors of Ebola virus infection with IC50 < 10 µM and selectivity index SI > 10-fold have been identified by in vitro screening of 2816 FDA-approved drugs3. In the same study, an additional 95 drugs which are active against Ebola virus infection with IC50 > 10 µM and SI <10-fold were also reported.

Although in vitro and in vivo screening for repurposing/repositioning of existing drugs could significantly accelerate discovery of new drugs these approaches are time-consuming and costly for screening of large drug libraries. Recently, we proposed a novel approach for in silico screening of molecular libraries for drug candidates48. This approach, which uses the average quasi valence number (AQVN) and the electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP), parameters determining long-range interaction between biological molecules, might hold a key to overcoming some of these obstacles in experimental screening by significantly reducing the number of compounds which should be in vitro and in vivo tested9. Among 3300 currently used molecular descriptors, AQVN and EIIP represent the unique physical properties which characterize the long-range interactions between biological molecules43. Small molecules with similar AQVN and EIIP values interact with the common therapeutic target, which allow establish criterions for virtual screening of molecular libraries for compounds with similar therapeutic properties49.

Here we develop the EIIP/AQVN-based criterion for virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs against Ebola virus infection. Using this criterion we screened DrugBank (http://www.drugbank.ca) and selected 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of EVD. Anopen access portal allowing screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs for treatment of EVD was established.

Material and methods

Molecular libraries

For screening of drugs for repurposing to select candidates for Ebola virus entry inhibitors, 1463 approved and 4975 experimental drugs from DrugBank (http://www.drugbank.ca) were screened. For development of the predictive criterion used in this analysis, the learning set (Dataset 1) encompassing 152 drugs which are selected as inhibitors of Ebola virus infection by in vitro and in vivo screening of 3828 FDA-approved drugs2,3, was established. From this Dataset are excluded microtubule modulators from Ref. 3, which do not directly block the entry of Ebola virus, as well as compounds which previously were reported in Ref. 2. As control data sets 45,010,644 compounds from PubChem (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pccompound) and 49 Ebola virus entry inhibitors collected by data mining of literature and patents, were used. For screening of literature data the NCBI literature database PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) was used. For search of patents and patent applications we used the Free Patent Online browser (http://www.freepatentsonline.com).

Calculation of AQVN and EIIP parameters of organic molecules

Specific recognition and targeting between interacting biological molecules at distances > 5Å are determined by the average AQVN and the EIIP10, which are derived from the general model pseudopotential11,12. These parameters for organic molecules are determined by the following simple equations10:

EIIP=0.25Z*sin(1.04πZ*)2π(1)

Where Z* is the average quasi-valence number (AQVN) determined by

Z*=1Ni=1mniZi(2)

where Zi is the valence number of the i-th atomic component, ni is the number of atoms of the i-th component, m is the number of atomic components in the molecule, and N is the total number of atoms. EIIP values calculated according to equation 1 and equation 2 are expressed in Rydberg units (Ry).

Results

Previously, analyses of the EIIP/AQVN distribution of 45,010,644 compounds from the PubChem database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pccompound) revealed that 92.5% of presented compounds are homogenously distributed within EIIP and AQVN intervals (0.00 – 0.11 Ry) and (2.4 – 3.3), respectively). This domain of the EIIP/AQVN space, encompassing the majority of known chemical compounds, is referred to as the “basic EIIP/AQVN chemical space” (BCS)6. Analysis of the molecular training set (Dataset 1), encompassing 152 small molecule inhibitors of Ebola virus infection selected by in vitro screening of 3828 FDA approved drugs2,3, show that 79% of these compounds are placed within AQVN and EIIP region (2.3 – 2.7) and (0.0829 – 0.0954 Ry), respectively (“Ebola Virus Infection Inhibitors Space”, EVIIS). The AQVN region (2.36 – 2.54) and the EIIP region (0.0912 – 0.0924 Ry) form the part of EVIIS which encompasses 55.5% of all drugs from the learning set (core EVIIS, cEVIS). Literature data mining reveals 49 compounds with experimentally proved activity against Ebola virus infection (Table 1)1329. Most of these compounds 47 (95.9%) are placed within EVIIS (Table 1). Of note is that EVIIS and cEVIIS domains contain only 14.6% and 6.5% of compounds from PubChem, respectively. This confirms high specificity of clustering of Ebola virus infection inhibitors within the EIIP/AQVN space. Comparison of distributions of Ebola virus infection inhibitors and compounds from PubMed is given in Figure 1.

Table 1. Small-molecule entry inhibitors for Ebola virus.

CompoundFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]Reference
ChloroquineC18H26ClN32.3750.094116
Bafilomycin A1C35H58O92.4710.096017
Cytochalasin BC29H37NO52.6110.081017
Cytochalasin DC30H37NO62.6760.067217
Latruculion AC22H31NO5S2.6670.069317
JasplakinolideC36H45BrN4O62.6740.067618
ClomipheneC26H28ClNO2.5260.092618
ToremifeneC26H28ClNO2.5260.092618
ChlorpromazineC17H19ClN2S2.6000.082919
AmiodaroneC25H29I2NO32.5670.088020
DronedaroneC31H44N2O5S2.5780.086420
VerapamilC27H38N2O42.5350.091720
ClomipheneC26H28ClNO2.5260.092621
AY-9944C22H28Cl2N22.3700.093821
Ro 48-8071C23H27BrFNO22.5050.094021
U18666AC25H41NO22.2900.084921
TerconazoleC26H31Cl2N5O32.6870.064421
TriparanolC27H32ClNO22.5080.094121
ImpramineC19H24N22.4440.096422
3.47C34H43N3O52.6350.076323
Cytochalasin BC29H37NO52.6110.081024
Cytochalasin DC30H37NO62.6760.067224
Latrunculin AC22H31NO5S2.6670.069324
JasplakinolideC36H45BrN4O62.6740.067624
NSC62914C31H40O32.4600.096225
Compound 1C30H38N6O22.6320.077026
Compound 2C32H46N62.4290.096326
Compound 3C28H34N6O22.6860.063526
Compound 5C42H58N10O62.6900.063527
Compound 8aC17H23N3O32.6950.062127
Compound 8bC17H23N3O32.6950.062127
Compound 8yC16H20BrNO22.6100.081227
Compound 15hC15H20JN5O2.6670.069327
Compound 15kC15H128Br3N5O2.6670.069327
RetinazoneC38H56Na3N5S22.3850.094728
Compound 7C17H12F4N22.4670.064729
Brincidofovir*C27H52N3O7P2.4670.096130
Hit compound 3C25H35N3O22.4940.095031
Hit compound 3.1C21H24ClN3O22.6670.069331
Hit compound 3.2C20H29N3O22.5180.093331
Hit compound 3.3C30H35N3O22.5560.089431
Hit compound 3.4C25H32N4O32.6560.071731
Hit compound 3.5C20H23N3O22.7080.058731
Hit compound 3.6C25H33N3O22.5400.0991331
Hit compound 3.7C22H27N3O32.6910.063331
Hit compound 3.18C26H37N3O22.4710.047131
Hit compound 3.48C34H43N3O52.6350.076331
Hit compound 3.105C34H40N6O22.6580.071231
NSC 62914C31H39O32.4800.095732

*Experimental drug applied for treatment of Ebola patients in Liberia (http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2014-11-13-oxford-lead-trial-experimental-drug-ebola-patients)

67502eff-0a0c-45b8-b2f5-9843e19ab524_figure1.gif

Figure 1. Distribution of compounds according to their average quasivalence number (AQVN) and electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP) values.

(A) 45010644 compounds from the PubChem database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pccompound); (B) FDA-approved drugs which are active against Ebola virus infection (Dataset 1)2,3; (C) Entry inhibitors of Ebola virus (Table 1).

Drug NameFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]Approved Indication
PerhexilineC19H35N2.1090.0479Antianginal
Methylbenzethonium C28H44ClNO22.290.0848Anti-Ulcerogenic
Trihexyphenidyl C20H31NO2.3020.0866Antiparkinsonian
Trihexyphenidyl C20H31NO2.3020.0866Antiparkinsonian
Drofenine C20H32ClNO22.3210.089NA
Alverine C20H27N2.3330.0904antispasmoic
PenbutololC18H29NO22.360.0929beta blocker
ButriptylineC21H27N2.3670.0935Antidepressant
AprindineC22H30N22.370.0938antiarrhythmic
HalofantrineC26H30Cl2F3NO2.3810.0945Antimalaria
BiperidenC21H29NO 2.3850.0947anti-cholinergic anti-parkinsonian
BepridilC24H34N2O2.3930.0952Anti-Anginal
Ipenoxazone C22H34N2O22.40.0955NA
VanoxeamineC28H34Cl2F2N2O2.4060.0957Cardiac Arrhythmias
Proadifen C23H32ClNO22.4070.0958Inhibitor Of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Trimipramine C20H26N22.4170.0961Antidepressant
Carbetapentane C20H31NO32.4360.0964Antitussive
ThenalidineC17H22N22.4390.0964Antihistamine
ClemastineC21H26ClNO2.440.0964antiallergic
Methadone C21H27NO2.440.0964Anti-Addictive
Diphenidol C21H27NO2.440.0964Antiemetic
CyclomethycaineC22H33NO32.4410.0964anestethic
ClomipramineC19H23ClN22.4440.0964antidepressant
HomochlorcyclizineC19H23ClN22.4440.0964Antihistamine
BamipineC19H24N22.4440.09964Antihistamine
DopexamineC22H32N2O22.4480.0964Adrenergic Beta-Agonists
Amitriptyline C20H23N2.4540.0963Antidepressant
EstradiolC18H24O22.4550.0963estrogen
MaprotilineC20H23N2.4550.0963antidepressant
Dimethisoquin C17H24N2O2.4550.0963Antipruritic
Octylonium C29H43N2O4Br2.4560.0963Antimuscarinic
Cinacalcet C22H22F3N2.4580.0927Hyperparathyroidism
BifemelaneC18H23NO2.4650.0961antidepressant
Orphenadrine C18H23NO2.4650.0961Parkinsonism
Zanapezil C25H32N2O2.4670.09961NA
AzithromycinC38H72N2O122.4680.0961antimicrobial
Rimcazole C21H27N32.4710.096Antipsychotic
DexbrompheniramineC16H19BrN22.4740.0959antihistaminic
SalmeterolC25H37NO42.4780.0957antiasthma
ClocapramineC28H37ClN4O2.4790.0957Antipsychotic
(S)-(+)-DimethindeneC20H24N22.4790.0957Antihistamine / Anticholinergic
OxethazaineC28H41N3O32.480.0956Anesthetic
BuprenorphineC29H41NO42.480.0956Anti-Addictive
Mycophenolate mofetilC22H29NO22.4810.0956immunosuppressant
LevopropoxypheneC22H29NO22.4820.0956antitussive
Fluoperazine C21H25ClF3N3S2.4820.0956Antipsychotic
L-Alpha-Acetyl-N-NormethadolC22H29NO22.4820.0956NA
EbastineC32H39NO22.4860.0954Antihistamine
ProtriptylineC19H21N2.4880.0953antidepressant
FendilineC23H25N2.490.0952Calcium Channel Blocker
Protryptyline C19H21N2.4880.0953Antidepressant
AmindocateC19H29N3O22.4910.0951NA
DiphenylpyralineC19H23NO2.50.0946antihistaminic
DirithromycinC42H78N2O142.50.0946antibacterial
FluoxetineC17H18F3NO2.50.0946antidepressant
BenztropineC21H25NO2.50.0946anticholinergic
Tomoxetine C17H21NO2.50.0946Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
LidoflazineC30H35F2N3O2.5070.0941Antiarrhythmic
TriparanolC27H32ClNO22.5080.0941Antilipemic
Malachite Green C23H25ClN22.510.0939Antiinfective Agent
ClarithromycinC38H69NO132.5120.0937antimicrobiall
PremethadoneC19H22N22.5120.0938NA
Propiverine C23H30ClNO32.5170.0934Anticholinergic
DibucaineC20H29N3O22.5180.0933local anesthetic
MosapramineC28H35ClN4O2.5220.03Antipsychotic
MefloquineC17H16F6N2O2.5240.0928antimalarial
ErythromycinC37H67NO132.5250.0927antibacterial
TamoxifenC26H29NO2.5260.0926anticancer
TiloroneC25H34N2O32.5310.0921antiviral
Metixene C20H23NS2.5330.0919Anticholinergic
TrifluoperazineC21H24F3N3S2.5380.0914antipsychotic
MibefradilC29H38FN3O32.540.0912antihypertensive
SpiramycinC43H74N2O142.5560.0893antimicrobial
Triflupromazine C18H19F3N2S2.5580.0891Antipsychotic
Cyproheptadine C21H21N2.5580.0891Antihistamine
DifeterolC25H29NO22.5610.0887NA
OxyphencyclimineC20H28N2O32.5660.0881anti-cholinergic
MaduramicinC47H80O172.5690.0876antimicrobial
ProchlorperazineC20H24ClN3S2.5710.0874antiemetic
BromperidolC21H23BrFNO22.5710.0874Antipsychotic
FluspirileneC29H31F2N3O2.5760.0867Antipsychotic
PropafenoneC21H27NO32.5770.0866antiarrhythmic
SertralineC17H17Cl2N2.5770.0866antidepressant
Roxindole C23H26N2O2.5770.0866Schizophrenia
DesloratadineC19H19ClN22.5850.0853Allergies
ThioridazineC21H26N2S22.5880.0848Antipsychotic
Octoclothepin C19H21ClN2S2.5910.0844NA
DipivefrinC19H29NO52.5920.0842glaucoma
Promazine C17H20N2S2.60.0829Antipsychotic
PimozideC28H29F2N3O2.6030.0824Antipsychotic
PerphenazineC21H26ClN3OS2.6040.0823Antipsychotic
CarfilzomibC40H57N5O72.6050.082anticancer
Benzydamine C19H23N3O2.6090.0814Anti-Inflammatory
PiperacetazineC24H30N2O2S2.610.0811antipsychotic
IndocateC22H26N2O22.6150.0802NA
AstemizoleC28H31FN4O2.6150.0802Antihistamine
Chlorprothixene C18H18ClNS2.6150.0802Antipsychotic
DigoxinC41H64O142.6220.079antiarrhythmic
MequitazineC20H22N2S2.6220.0789Antihistamine / Anticholinergic
Methiothepin C20H24N2S22.6250.0784Antipsychotic
Proscillaridin AC30H42O82.6250.0784Cardiac Arrhythmia
Ami-193C22H26FN3O22.630.07745-Ht2A 5-Ht1A and D2 Receptor Antagonist
SertindoleC24H26ClFN4O2.6320.077Antipsychotic
DiphenoxylateC30H32N2O22.6360.0761anti-peristaltic
AmodiaquineC20H22ClN3O2.6380.0756anti-malarial
BazedoxifeneC30H34N2O32.6380.0758postmenopausal osteoporosis
AmodiaquineC20H22ClN3O2.6380.0756antimalarial
SunitinibC22H27FN4O22.6430.0747anticancer
MetergolineC25H29N3O22.6440.0744Antipsychoactive
Pimethixene C19H19NS2.650.0731Antihistamine / Anticholinergic
TandutinibC31H42N6O42.6510.073Anticancer (Experimental)
SarpogrelateC24H32ClNO62.6560.0717Diabetes Mellitus
MonatepilC28H30FN3OS2.6560.0717Antihypertensive
FtormetazineC21H22F3N3OS2.6670.0693NA
Nebivolol C22H25F2NO42.6670.0693Hypertension
ProglumetacinC46H58ClN5O82.6780.0666anti-inflammatory
DeslanosideC47H74O192.6860.0647antiarrhythmic
AzaclorzineC22H24ClN3OS2.6920.063antianginal
OdanacatibC25H27F4N3O3S2.6980.0614Osteoporosis / Bone Metastasis
ThioproperazineC22H30N4O2S22.70.0609antipsychotic
Duloxetine C18H19NOS2.70.0609Antidepressant
ThiothixeneC23H29N3O2S22.7120.0577antipsychotic
Sulconazole C18H15Cl3N2S2.7180.056Antifungal
ParoxetineC19H20FNO32.7270.0534anti-depressant
KetotifenC19H19NOS2.7320.0521anti-histaminic
BosutinibC26H29Cl2N5O32.7380.0501anticancer
BitolterolC28H31NO52.7380.0501bronchodilatator
PosaconazoleC37H42F2N8O42.7530.0458antifungal
AmlodipineC20H25ClN2O52.7550.0451anti-hypertensive
GefitinibC22H24ClFN4O32.7640.0423anticancer
(S)-(+)-Niguldipine C36H39N3O62.7860.0352Calcium Channel Blocker
CarvedilolC24H26N2O42.7860.0352Adrenergic Alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
AmoxapineC17H16ClN3O2.790.034Antidepressant
CepharanthineC37H38N2O62.7950.032anti-inflammatory/antineoplastic
RescimetolC33H38N2O82.8150.0253NA
Mesoridazine C27H32N2O4S32.8240.0223Phenothiazine
DasatinibC22H26ClN7O2S2.8480.0137Anticancer
RaloxifeneC28H27NO4S2.8520.0119anticancer
TioconazoleC16H13Cl3N2OS2.8830.0188Antifungal
CarprofenC15H12ClNO22.9030.007anti-inflammatory
OxibendazoleC12H15N3O32.9090.0092anthelmintic
Mk-2206C25H21N5O2.9230.0146NA
CantharidinC10H12O42.9230.0146Blister Agent
LapatinibC29H26ClFN4O4S2.9390.0208Anticancer
TopotecanC23H23N3O52.9630.0298anticancer
AxitinibC22H18N4OS30.0439Anticancer
DaunomycinC27H29NO103.0150.0495anticancer
DaunorubicinC27H29NO103.0150.0495antimicrobial/anticancer
NiclosamideC13H8Cl2N2O43.310.1296antihelmintic
DipyrithioneC10H8N2O2S23.4170.134Fungicide
NitrovinC14H12N6O63.5260.1214antimicrobial
Dataset 1.FDA-approved drugs which are active against Ebola virus infection2,3.
AQVN: average quasivalence number; EIIP: electron-ion interaction potential

It was shown that Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP)-mediated entry and infection is subordinated with a membrane-trafficking event that translocates a GP binding partner to the cell surface, which depends on microtubules30,31. Consistently, microtubule inhibitors which block this trafficking process could decrease infection without interfering with the direct binding and translocation of the Ebola virus into cells. AQVN and EIIP values of microtubule modulators and transcription inhibitors with reported anti-Ebola virus activity are given in Table 2. As can be seen, all these compounds, which do not directly affect binding and internalization of Ebola virus, are located outside of EVIIS. This additionally confirms the specificity of the EVIS domain.

Table 2. Viral transcription inhibitors and microtubule modulators with anti-Ebola virus activity.

CompoundFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]
Viral transcription inhibitors
BCX4430C11H15N5O33.0000.0439
FavipiravirC5H4FN3O23.4670.1304
C-c3AdoC12H16N4O32.9140.0112
c3NepC12H14N4O33.0300.0552
“D-like” 1’-6’-isoneplanocinC11H12N5O33.1940.1076
“L-like” 1’-6’-isoneplanocinC11H12N5O33.1940.1076
CMLDBU3402C30H26BrN3O73.0450.1343
Microtubule modulators
VinblastineC13H8Cl2N2O43.3100.0130
VinorelbineC45H54N4O82.7210.0552
VincristineC46H56N4O102.7590.0439
ColchicineC22H25NO62.8520.0121
NocodazoleC14H11N3O3S3.3120.1298
MebendazoleC16H13N3O33.1430.0934
AlbendazoleC12H15N3O2S2.9090.0092

In further analysis we used EVIIS as a filter for virtual screening for candidate Ebola virus infection inhibitors. In Dataset 2 622 approved and 1089 experimental drugs in Dataset 3 selected by EVIIS screening of 6532 drugs from DrugBank are reported. Using cEVIIS, we located 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs. This small molecular library represents a source of candidate drugs for treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD), which can be further experimentally tested.

Database IDGeneric NameFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]
DB00376TrihexyphenidylC20H31NO2.3018870.086554
DB01022PhylloquinoneC31H46O22.3037970.086811
DB00191PhentermineC10H15N2.3076920.087326
DB00313Valproic AcidC8H16O22.3076920.087326
DB01577MethamphetamineC10H15N2.3076920.087326
DB06204TapentadolC14H23NO2.3076920.087326
DB06709MethacholineC8H18NO22.3103450.087669
DB08887Icosapent ethylC22H34O22.3103450.087669
DB01187IophendylateC19H29IO22.3137250.088098
DB01337PancuroniumC35H60N2O42.3168320.088483
DB00947FulvestrantC32H47F5O3S2.3181820.088648
DB01083OrlistatC29H53NO52.3181820.088648
DB00387ProcyclidineC19H29NO2.320.088868
DB00942CycrimineC19H29NO2.320.088868
DB08804Nandrolone decanoateC28H44O32.320.088868
DB00818PropofolC12H18O2.3225810.089174
DB01463FencamfamineC15H21N2.3243240.089378
DB00137XanthophyllC40H56O22.3265310.089632
DB01616AlverineC20H27N2.3333330.090387
DB06694XylometazolineC16H24N22.3333330.090387
DB06439TyloxapolC51H80O62.3357660.090648
DB00304DesogestrelC22H30O2.3396230.091049
DB01339VecuroniumC34H57N2O42.3402060.091108
DB00711DiethylcarbamazineC10H21N3O2.3428570.091375
DB01338PipecuroniumC35H62N4O42.3428570.091375
DB00159IcosapentC20H30O22.3461540.091697
DB06710MethyltestosteroneC20H30O22.3461540.091697
DB00182AmphetamineC9H13N2.3478260.091857
DB01576DextroamphetamineC9H13N2.3478260.091857
DB01586Ursodeoxycholic acidC24H40O42.3529410.092329
DB06777Chenodeoxycholic acidC24H40O42.3529410.092329
DB00230PregabalinC8H17NO22.3571430.092698
DB06718StanozololC21H32N2O2.3571430.092698
DB01359PenbutololC18H29NO22.360.09294
DB01599ProbucolC31H48O2S22.3614460.093059
DB00728RocuroniumC32H53N2O42.3626370.093156
DB00847CysteamineC2H7NS2.3636360.093236
DB01036TolterodineC22H31NO2.3636360.093236
DB00297BupivacaineC18H28N2O2.3673470.093525
DB00464Sodium Tetradecyl SulfateC14H30O4S2.3673470.093525
DB00624TestosteroneC19H28O22.3673470.093525
DB01002LevobupivacaineC18H28N2O2.3673470.093525
DB01429AprindineC22H30N22.370370.09375
DB08924AmfecloralC11H12Cl3N2.370370.09375
DB02300CalcipotriolC27H40O32.3714290.093827
DB00608ChloroquineC18H26ClN32.3750.094079
DB00652PentazocineC19H27NO2.3750.094079
DB00396ProgesteroneC21H30O22.3773580.094238
DB00470DronabinolC21H30O22.3773580.094238
DB00486NabiloneC24H36O32.3809520.09447
DB01216FinasterideC23H36N2O22.3809520.09447
DB01218HalofantrineC26H30Cl2F3NO2.3809520.09447
DB00285VenlafaxineC17H27NO22.3829790.094595
DB00411CarbacholC6H14N2O2.ClH2.3846150.094694
DB00621OxandroloneC19H30O32.3846150.094694
DB00810BiperidenC21H29NO2.3846150.094694
DB00941HexafluroniumC36H42N2.C2H62.3863640.094796
DB01037SelegilineC13H17N2.3870970.094837
DB00219OxyphenoniumC21H34NO32.3898310.094989
DB01209DezocineC16H23NO2.3902440.095011
DB00296RopivacaineC17H26N2O2.3913040.095067
DB01244BepridilC24H34N2O2.3934430.095177
DB00202SuccinylcholineC14H30N2O42.40.095485
DB00379MexiletineC11H17NO2.40.095485
DB00514DextromethorphanC18H25NO2.40.095485
DB00523AlitretinoinC20H28O22.40.095485
DB00755TretinoinC20H28O22.40.095485
DB00929MisoprostolC22H38O52.40.095485
DB00930ColesevelamC22H38O52.40.095485
DB00982IsotretinoinC20H28O22.40.095485
DB01407ClenbuterolC12H18Cl2N2O2.40.095485
DB08808BupranololC14H22ClNO22.40.095485
DB00193TramadolC16H25NO22.4090910.095841
DB01255LisdexamfetamineC15H25N3O2.4090910.095841
DB06700DesvenlafaxineC16H25NO22.4090910.095841
DB00281LidocaineC14H22N2O2.4102560.09588
DB00865BenzphetamineC17H21N2.4102560.09588
DB00332Ipratropium bromideC20H30NO3.BrH2.4107140.095895
DB00937DiethylpropionC13H19NO2.4117650.095929
DB01156BupropionC13H18ClNO2.4117650.095929
DB00996GabapentinC9H17NO22.4137930.095991
DB01625IsopropamideC23H32N2O2.4137930.095991
DB01185FluoxymesteroneC20H29FO32.4150940.096029
DB00645DyclonineC18H27NO22.4166670.096072
DB00726TrimipramineC20H26N22.4166670.096072
DB00268RopiniroleC16H24N2O2.4186050.096121
DB00935OxymetazolineC16H24N2O2.4186050.096121
DB00308IbutilideC20H36N2O3S2.4193550.09614
DB00253MedrysoneC22H32O32.4210530.096178
DB01420Testosterone PropionateC22H32O32.4210530.096178
DB05812AbirateroneC24H31NO2.4210530.096178
DB00857TerbinafineC21H25N2.4255320.096267
DB00896RimexoloneC24H34O32.426230.096279
DB00854LevorphanolC17H23NO2.4285710.096315
DB00195BetaxololC18H29NO32.4313730.09635
DB00367LevonorgestrelC21H28O22.4313730.09635
DB00378DydrogesteroneC21H28O22.4313730.09635
DB01091ButenafineC23H27N2.4313730.09635
DB01256RetapamulinC30H47NO4S2.4337350.096374
DB00504LevallorphanC19H25NO2.4347830.096382
DB00944DemecariumC32H52N4O42.4347830.096382
DB01258AliskirenC30H53N3O62.4347830.096382
DB04835MaravirocC29H41F2N5O2.4358970.09639
DB00354BuclizineC28H33ClN22.43750.096399
DB00866AlprenololC15H23NO22.4390240.096405
DB00283ClemastineC21H26ClNO2.440.096408
DB00333MethadoneC21H27NO2.440.096408
DB01231DiphenidolC21H27NO2.440.096408
DB00770AlprostadilC20H34O52.4406780.096409
DB01046LubiprostoneC20H32F2O52.4406780.096409
DB04575QuinestrolC25H32O22.4406780.096409
DB00189EthchlorvynolC7H9ClO2.4444440.096407
DB00458ImipramineC19H24N22.4444440.096407
DB00612BisoprololC18H31NO42.4444440.096407
DB00750PrilocaineC13H20N2O2.4444440.096407
DB00852PseudoephedrineC10H15NO2.4444440.096407
DB01010EdrophoniumC10H15NO2.4444440.096407
DB01019BethanecholC7H16N2O22.4444440.096407
DB01242ClomipramineC19H23ClN22.4444440.096407
DB01364EphedrineC10H15NO2.4444440.096407
DB06804Nonoxynol-9C33H60O102.4466020.096399
DB02703Fusidic AcidC31H48O62.4470590.096397
DB01057EchothiophateC9H23NO3PS2.4473680.096395
DB01122AmbenoniumC28H40Cl2N4O22.4473680.096395
DB06702FesoterodineC26H37NO32.4477610.096393
DB01611HydroxychloroquineC18H26ClN3O2.448980.096384
DB00961MepivacaineC15H22N2O2.450.096376
DB04896MilnacipranC15H22N2O2.450.096376
DB08918LevomilnacipranC15H22N2O2.450.096376
DB00654LatanoprostC26H40O52.4507040.09637
DB01579PhendimetrazineC12H17NO2.4516130.096361
DB00611ButorphanolC21H29NO22.452830.096348
DB06713NorelgestrominC21H29NO22.452830.096348
DB00149L-LeucineC6H13NO22.4545450.096326
DB00167L-IsoleucineC6H13NO22.4545450.096326
DB00264MetoprololC15H25NO32.4545450.096326
DB00321AmitriptylineC20H23N2.4545450.096326
DB00513Aminocaproic AcidC6H13NO22.4545450.096326
DB00780PhenelzineC8H12N22.4545450.096326
DB00783EstradiolC18H24O22.4545450.096326
DB00934MaprotilineC20H23N2.4545450.096326
DB06698BetahistineC8H12N22.4545450.096326
DB01227Levomethadyl AcetateC23H31NO22.456140.096304
DB01433Methadyl AcetateC23H31NO22.456140.096304
DB00717NorethindroneC20H26O22.4583330.096268
DB01012CinacalcetC22H22F3N2.4583330.096268
DB01186PergolideC19H26N2S2.4583330.096268
DB00184NicotineC10H14N22.4615380.096207
DB00294EtonogestrelC22H28O22.4615380.096207
DB00302Tranexamic AcidC8H15NO22.4615380.096207
DB00176FluvoxamineC15H21F3N2O22.4651160.096125
DB00925PhenoxybenzamineC18H22ClNO2.4651160.096125
DB01173OrphenadrineC18H23NO2.4651160.096125
DB00185CevimelineC10H17NOS2.4666670.096085
DB01107MethyprylonC10H17NO22.4666670.096085
DB01196EstramustineC23H31Cl2NO32.4666670.096085
DB01550FenproporexC12H16N22.4666670.096085
DB00207AzithromycinC38H72N2O122.4677420.096056
DB00429Carboprost TromethamineC21H36O5.C4H11NO32.4691360.096017
DB00641SimvastatinC25H38O52.4705880.095974
DB08823SpinosadC42H67NO92.4705880.095974
DB00291ChlorambucilC14H19Cl2NO22.4736840.095874
DB00405DexbrompheniramineC16H19BrN22.4736840.095874
DB00835BrompheniramineC16H19BrN22.4736840.095874
DB01035ProcainamideC13H21N3O2.4736840.095874
DB01114ChlorphenamineC16H19ClN22.4736840.095874
DB01620PheniramineC16H20N22.4736840.095874
DB00473HexylcaineC16H23NO22.476190.095785
DB00752TranylcypromineC9H11N2.476190.095785
DB01151DesipramineC18H22N22.476190.095785
DB01176CyclizineC18H22N22.476190.095785
DB08936ChlorcyclizineC18H21ClN22.476190.095785
DB00905BimatoprostC25H37NO42.4776120.095732
DB00938SalmeterolC25H37NO42.4776120.095732
DB01126DutasterideC27H30F6N2O22.4776120.095732
DB06708LumefantrineC30H32Cl3NO2.4776120.095732
DB08801DimetindeneC20H24N22.4782610.095707
DB08824Ioflupane I 123C18H23FINO22.4782610.095707
DB00091CyclosporineC62H111N11O122.4795920.095654
DB00677IsoflurophateC6H14FO3P2.480.095637
DB00892OxybuprocaineC17H28N2O32.480.095637
DB00921BuprenorphineC29H41NO42.480.095637
DB01626PargylineC11H13N2.480.095637
DB08834Tauroursodeoxycholic acidC26H45NO6S2.4810130.095595
DB00280DisopyramideC21H29N3O2.4814810.095576
DB00647DextropropoxypheneC22H29NO22.4814810.095576
DB00531CyclophosphamideC7H15Cl2N2O2P2.4827590.095521
DB01103QuinacrineC23H30ClN3O2.4827590.095521
DB01181IfosfamideC7H15Cl2N2O2P2.4827590.095521
DB00603Medroxyprogesterone AcetateC24H34O42.4838710.095471
DB01050IbuprofenC13H18O22.4848480.095427
DB01104SertralineC17H17Cl2N2.4864860.09535
DB08803TymazolineC14H20N2O2.4864860.09535
DB01160Dinoprost TromethamineC20H34O5.C4H11NO32.4871790.095316
DB00344ProtriptylineC19H21N2.4878050.095286
DB00540NortriptylineC19H21N2.4878050.095286
DB00725Homatropine MethylbromideC17H24NO3.BrH2.4893620.095208
DB01357MestranolC21H26O22.4897960.095185
DB06730GestodeneC21H26O22.4897960.095185
This is a portion of the data; to view all the data, please download the file.
Dataset 2.Approved and experimental drugs selected as candidate for treatment of EVD.
AQVN: average quasivalence number; EIIP: electron-ion interaction potential
Dataset 3.Experimental drugs selected as candidate for treatment of EVD.
AQVN: average quasivalence number; EIIP: electron-ion interaction potential

Discussion

Madrid and co-workers selected 24 drugs by in vitro screening of 1012 FDA-approved drugs, which are effective against Ebola virus infection2. They also showed that among these compounds, four antimalarial drugs (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, amodiaquine and aminoquinoline-13) also are effective against Ebola virus infection in vivo2. Among 53 compounds which effectively inhibit Ebola virus infection in vitro, which Kouznetsova and co-workers selected from 2816 approved drugs, are also three anti-malarial drugs (mefloquione, chloroquine, amodiaquine)3. It was also suggested that application of chloroquine for prevention of virus transmission should be considered because this compound significantly inhibits Ebola virus infection13. Our analysis showed that 15 of 22 approved ant-malarial drugs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimalarial_medication) are located in EVIIS (Table 3). Six 2-alkylquinolines have been also included in this study. This chemical series is promising as some derivatives exhibited antiviral activity such as 2PQ, and 2QQ32,33 antimalarial activity such as 2PQ and 2PentQ234, antileishmanial activity such as 2PQ35,36 and neurotrophin-like activity on dopaminergic neurons such as 2QI1537. These compounds exhibit some advantages in regard to their chemical synthesis with few steps and good yields as well as their chemical stability in tropical conditions of storage. Their combined effects against virus and Leishmania parasites suggested they could be an advantage for the treatment of Leishmania/HIV co-infections and they were considered as attractive enough to enter the pipeline of DNDi on 2010.

All these data strongly suggest that this class of drugs should be further investigated as a promising source of therapeutics for treatment of EVD. Anti-malarial drugs with dual activity should be of special interest because malaria represents the highest health-related disease in African countries with EVD.

Among 3828 FDA-approved drugs screened for anti-Ebola activity were six antibiotics which inhibit Ebola virus infection (azthromycin, erythromycin, spiramycin, dirithromycin, maduramicin, charitromycin)2,3. All these antibiotics are within EVIIS and four of them are in cEVIIS. Analysis of 184 approved antibiotics (Dataset 4) showed that only 32 (17.4%) have AQVN and EIIP values in EVIIS, and that 11 of them are located within cEVIIS. Previously we reported domains of AQVN and EIIP which characterize different classes of antibiotics (Table 4)6. According to these data, among antibiotics some macrolides, pleuromutilins and aminoglycosides have the highest chance for inhibition of Ebola virus infection. Of note is that five of six antibiotics with experimentally proved activity against Ebola virus infection (azthromycin, erythromycin, spiramycin, dirithromycin, charitromycin) are macrolides. Antibiotics representing candidate Ebola virus infection inhibitors selected by EIIP/AQVN criterion are given in Table 5.

Table 3. Approved anti-malarial drugs selected as candidate drugs for EVD.

CompoundFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]
QuinineC20H24N2O22.6250.0784
ChloroquinineC18H26ClN32.3750.0941
AmodiquinineC20H22ClN3O2.6380.0756
ProguanilC11H16ClN52.6060.0819
MefloquineC17H16F6N2O2.5240.0928
PrimaquineC15H21NO32.6000.0829
HalofantrineC26H30Cl2F3NO2.3810.0945
ClindamycinC18H33ClN2O5S2.5330.0919
ArtemetherC16H26O52.5530.0897
PiperaquineC29H32Cl2N62.6090.0814
ArtemotilC17H28O52.5200.0931
DihydroartemisinC15H24O52.5910.0844
QuinidineC20H24N2O22.6250.0784
CinchonidineC19H22N2O2.5910.0844
ArtemisinC15H22O52.6670.0693

Table 4. AQVN and EIIP range of different antibiotics classes6.

Antibiotic classAQVNEIIP [Ry]
Penicillins2.975 - 3.1800.035 - 0.124
Cephalosporins3.071 - 3.4730.070 - 0.130
Carbapenems & Penems2.973 - 3.0590.022 - 0.066
Monobactams3.166 - 3.5810.100 - 0.134
Quinolines2.760 - 3.0600.003 - 0.065
Aminoglycosides2.552 - 2.8200.024 - 0.084
Tetracyclines2.933 - 3.1110.018 - 0.084
Macrolides2.467 - 2.6300.077 - 0.096
Pleuromutilins2.395 - 2.4730.095 - 0.096
Nitrofurans3.652 - 3.8260.010 - 0.086
AntibioticsFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]
TeicoplaninsC77H77Cl2N9O13 -R2.750.046
TelavancinC80H106Cl2N11O27P2.8630.008
VancomycinC66H75Cl2N9O243.0110.048
CefpodoximeC15H17N5O6S23.3330.132
TiamulinC28H47NO4S2.3950.095
RetapamulinC30H47NO4S2.4340.096
ValnemulinC31H52N2O5S2.4400.096
AzithromycinC38H72N2O122.4680.096
BC-3205C32H51N2O5S2.4720.096
DirithromycinC42H78N2O142.5000.095
ClarithromycinC38H69NO132.5120.094
SurfactinC53H93N7O132.5180.093
ErythromycinC37H67NO132.5250.093
ClindamycinC18H33ClN2O5S2.5330.092
RoxithromycinC41H76N2O152.5370.092
OleandomycinC35H61NO122.5500.090
GentamicinC21H43N5O72.5530.090
SpiramycinC43H74N2O142.5560.089
MupirocinC26H44O92.5570.089
LincomycinC18H34N2O6S2.5900.085
NetilmicinC21H41N5O72.5950.084
AstromicinC17H35N5O62.6030.082
TylosinC46H77NO172.6100.081
KitasamycinC35H59NO132.6110.081
JosamycinC42H69NO152.6140.080
TelithromycinC43H65N5O102.6180.080
TelithromycinC43H65N5O102.6180.080
VerdamicinC20H39N5O72.6200.080
MidecamycinC41H67NO152.6290.078
TroleandomycinC41H67NO152.6290.078
SisomicinC19H37N5O72.6470.074
CethromycinC42H59N3O102.6490.073
Carbomycin AC42H67NO162.6670.069
DibekacinC18H37N5O82.6760.067
Echinocandin BC52H81N7O162.6920.063
RifabutinC46H62N4O112.6990.061
ArbekacinC22H44N6O102.7070.059
RifapentineC47H64N4O122.7090.059
HerbimycinC30H42N2O92.7230.055
TobramycinC18H37N5O92.7250.054
GrepafloxacinC19H22FN3O32.7500.047
GeldanamycinC29H40N2O92.7500.047
RifampicinC43H58N4O122.7520.046
SparfloxacinC19H22F2N4O32.7600.044
BalofloxacinC20H24FN3O42.7690.041
BekanamycinC18H37N5O102.7710.040
FleroxacinC17H18F3N3O32.7730.039
LomefloxacinC17H19F2N3O32.7730.039
PefloxacinC17H20FN3O32.7730.039
IsepamicinC22H43N5O122.7800.037
ParomomycinC23H47N5O142.7860.035
Quinupristin/dalfopristinC53H67N9O10S2.7860.035
MoxifloxacinC21H24FN3O42.7920.033
Pristinamycin IIAC28H35N3O72.7940.032
NeomycinC23H46N6O132.7960.032
NadifloxacinC19H21FN2O42.8080.028
SpectinomycinC14H24N2O72.8080.028
KanamycinC18H36N4O112.8120.026
TigecyclineC29H39N5O82.8150.025
GatifloxacinC19H22FN3O42.8160.025
LinezolidC16H20FN3O42.8180.024
AmikacinC22H43N5O132.8190.024
MeropenemC17H25N3O5S2.8240.022
SitafloxacinC19H18ClF2N3O32.8260.021
NorfloxacinC16H18FN3O32.8290.020
Pristinamycin IAC45H54N8O102.8550.011
CiprofloxacinC17H18FN3O32.8570.010
ClinafloxacinC17H17ClFN3O32.8570.010
EperezolidC18H23FN4O52.8630.008
OfloxacinC18H20FN3O42.8700.006
LevofloxacinC18H20FN3O42.8700.006
TrimethoprimC14H18N4O32.8720.005
TrimethoprimC14H18N4O32.8720.005
RolitetracyclineC27H33N3O82.8730.004
TemafloxacinC21H18F3N3O32.8750.004
Hygromycin BC20H37N3O132.8770.003
Virginiamycin S1C43H49N7O102.8990.005
EnoxacinC15H17FN4O32.9000.006
RadezolidC22H23FN6O32.9090.009
StreptomycinC21H39N7O122.9110.010
DaptomycinC72H101N17O262.9170.012
RufloxacinC17H18FN3O3S2.9300.017
MinocyclineC23H27N3O72.9330.018
NimorazoleC9H14N4O32.9330.019
GemifloxacinC18H20FN5O42.9580.028
FlumequineC14H12FNO32.9680.032
SulfadicramideC11H14N2O3S2.9680.032
ImipenemC12H17N3O4S2.9730.034
Piromidic acidC14H16N4O32.9730.034
Pipemidic acidC14H17N5O32.9740.034
BenzylpenicillinC16H18N2O4S2.9760.035
AmpicillinC16H19N3O4S2.9770.035
NafcillinC21H22N2O5S2.9800.036
DoripenemC15H24N4O6S22.9800.036
PazufloxacinC16H15FN2O43.0000.044
TosufloxacinC19H15F3N4O33.0000.044
MafenideC7H10N2O2S3.0000.044
OrnidazoleC7H10ClN3O33.0000.044
SecnidazoleC7H11N3O33.0000.044
TrovafloxacinC20H15F3N4O33.0220.052
SulfadimidineC12H14N4O2S3.0300.055
SulfisomidineC12H14N4O2S3.0300.055
ErtapenemC22H25N3O7S3.0340.057
Nalidixic acidC12H12N2O33.0340.057
TetracyclineC22H24N2O83.0360.057
ChlortetracyclineC22H23ClN2O83.0360.057
DoxycyclineC22H24N2O83.0360.057
LymecyclineC22H23ClN2O83.0360.057
PosizolidC21H21F2N3O73.0370.058
MeticillinC17H20N2O6S3.0430.060
AmoxicillinC16H19N3O5S3.0460.061
PhenoxymethylpenicillinC16H18N2O5S3.0480.062
PiperacillinC23H27N5O7S3.0480.062
RosoxacinC17H14N2O33.0560.064
FaropenemC12H15NO5S3.0590.066
ChloramphenicolC11H12Cl2N2O53.0620.067
CefepimeC19H24N6O5S23.0710.070
CefalexinC16H17N3O4S3.0730.071
OxytetracyclineC22H24N2O93.0880.076
AzlocillinC20H23N5O6S3.0910.077
DemeclocyclineC21H21ClN2O83.0940.078
SulfafurazoleC11H13N3O3S3.0970.079
SulfamoxoleC11H13N3O3S3.0970.079
TinidazoleC8H13N3O4S3.1030.081
OxacillinC19H19N3O5S3.1060.082
CloxacillinC19H18ClN3O5S3.1060.082
DicloxacillinC19H17Cl2N3O5S3.1060.082
FlucloxacillinC19H17ClFN3O5S3.1060.082
MeclocyclineC22H21ClN2O83.1110.084
MetacyclineC22H22N2O83.1110.084
SulfaphenazoleC15H14N4O2S3.1110.084
PrulifloxacinC21H20FN3O6S3.1150.085
SulfametomidineC12H14N4O3S3.1180.086
SulfaperinC11H12N4O2S3.1330.090
CarbenicillinC17H18N2O6S3.1360.091
SulfapyridineC11H11N3O2S3.1430.093
MetronidazoleC6H9N3O33.1430.093
TorezolidC17H15FN6O33.1430.093
ProntosilC12H13N5O2S3.1520.096
CefaclorC15H14ClN3O4S3.1580.098
Nocardicin AC23H24N4O93.1670.100
SulfacetamideC8H10N2O3S3.1670.100
SulfaguanidineC7H10N4O2S3.1670.100
MezlocillinC21H25N5O8S23.1800.104
PropenidazoleC11H13N3O53.1880.106
CefpiromeC22H22N6O5S23.1930.107
SulfadimethoxineC12H14N4O4S3.2000.109
SulfaquinoxalineC14H12N4O2S3.2120.112
SulfamethoxazoleC10H11N3O3S3.2140.113
SulfamazoneC23H24N6O7S23.2260.115
SulfametoxydiazineC11H12N4O3S3.2260.115
TemocillinC16H18N2O7S23.2440.119
SulfadiazineC10H10N4O2S3.2590.122
Oxolinic acidC13H11NO53.2670.123
TicarcillinC15H16N2O6S23.2680.123
CefalotinC16H16N2O6S23.2860.126
AzanidazoleC10H10N6O23.2860.126
CeftazidimeC22H22N6O7S23.2880.127
Clavulanic acid C8H9NO53.3040.129
Clavulanic acidC8H9NO53.3040.129
SulfathioureaC7H9N3O2S23.3040.129
CefamandoleC18H18N6O5S23.3060.129
AldesulfoneC14H16N2O6S33.3170.130
SulfamethizoleC9H10N4O2S23.3330.132
SulfathiazoleC9H9N3O2S23.3600.134
TazobactamC10H12N4O5S3.3750.134
CinoxacinC12H10N2O53.3790.134
SulfasalazineC18H14N4O5S3.3810.134
SuccinylsulfathiazoleC13H13N3O5S23.3890.134
CefotaximeC16H17N5O7S23.4040.134
CefuroximeC16H16N4O8S3.4220.134
AztreonamC13H17N5O8S23.4220.134
PhthalylsulfathiazoleC17H13N3O5S23.4500.132
CeftibutenC15H14N4O6S23.4630.131
CeftarolineC24H25N8O10PS43.4720.130
NifuroxazideC12H9N3O53.5170.123
CeftriaxoneC18H18N8O7S33.5180.123
CefazolinC14H14N8O4S33.5350.120
TigemonamC12H15N5O9S23.5810.108
FurazolidoneC8H7N3O53.6520.086
NitrofurazoneC6H6N4O43.7000.068
NifurtoinolC9H8N4O63.7040.066
NifurzideC12H8N4O6S3.8060.020
Dataset 4.Approved antibiotics screened for candidate anti-Ebola drugs.
AQVN: average quasivalence number; EIIP: electron-ion interaction potential

Previous, we determined AQVN and EIIP domains characterizing different classes of anti-HIV drugs49. As can be seen in Table 6, the EIIP/AQVN domain of CCR5 HIV entry inhibitors is within EVIIS, and domains of CXCR4 HIV entry inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitors partially overlaps EVIIS. The EIIP/AQVN domains of other classes of anti-HIV agents are located outside EVIIS. This indicates that some HIV entry inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitors could also be effective drugs against Ebola virus infection.

Table 5. Antibiotics selected as candidate drugs for EVD.

AntibioticsFormulaAQVNEIIP [Ry]
TiamulinC28H47NO4S 2.3950.095
RetapamulinC30H47NO4S 2.4340.096
ValnemulinC31H52N2O5S 2.4400.096
AzithromycinC38H72N2O12 2.4680.096
BC-3205C32H51N2O5S 2.4720.096
DirithromycinC42H78N2O14 2.5000.095
ClarithromycinC38H69NO13 2.5120.094
SurfactinC53H93N7O13 2.5180.093
ErythromycinC37H67NO13 2.5250.093
ClindamycinC18H33ClN2O5S 2.5330.092
RoxithromycinC41H76N2O15 2.5370.092
OleandomycinC35H61NO12 2.5500.090
GentamicinC21H43N5O7 2.5530.090
SpiramycinC43H74N2O14 2.5560.089
MupirocinC26H44O9 2.5570.089
LincomycinC18H34N2O6S 2.5900.085
NetilmicinC21H41N5O7 2.5950.084
AstromicinC17H35N5O6 2.6030.082
TylosinC46H77NO17 2.6100.081
KitasamycinC35H59NO13 2.6110.081
JosamycinC42H69NO15 2.6140.080
TelithromycinC43H65N5O10 2.6180.080
TelithromycinC43H65N5O10 2.6180.080
VerdamicinC20H39N5O7 2.6200.080
MidecamycinC41H67NO15 2.6290.078
TroleandomycinC41H67NO15 2.6290.078
SisomicinC19H37N5O7 2.6470.074
CethromycinC42H59N3O10 2.6490.073
Carbomycin AC42H67NO16 2.6670.069
DibekacinC18H37N5O8 2.6760.067
Echinocandin BC52H81N7O16 2.6920.063
RifabutinC46H62N4O11 2.6990.061

Table 6. AQVN and EIIP range of anti-HIV drugs6.

TargetAQVNEIIP [Ry]
CXCR42.16 - 2.530.062 - 0.096
CCR52.42 - 2.630.079 - 0.099
PI2.61 - 2.780.040 - 0.080
NRTI/NtRTI2.92 - 3.200.040 - 0.100
INI3.00 - 3.200.044 - 0.116
Anti-HIV flavonoids3.34 - 3.590.110 - 0.135

In conclusion, the presented results show that the EIIP/AQVN criterion can be used as an efficient filter in virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection. Approved (Dataset 2) and experimental drugs (Dataset 3), anti-malarial drugs (Table 3) and antibiotics (Table 5) selected by this criterion represents a valuable source of candidate therapeutics for treatment of EVD, some of which are already approved by FDA for treatment of other diseases which can be repurposed for use in EVD. We hope that these data, obtained by an in silico drug repurposing screen, will accelerate discovery of drugs for treatment of EVD, which are necessary in this ongoing emergency situation caused by the current unprecedented Ebola virus outbreak. To enable other researchers working on online EIIP/AQVN-based screening of different sources of small molecules for candidate Ebola drugs, we established an open web server (http://www.biomedconsulting.info/ebola_screen.php).

Data availability

The virtual screen for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection web tool is available at: http://www.biomedconsulting.info/tools/ebolascreen.php. An archived version can be accessed at: http://www.webcitation.org/6Vxtuojgx38

F1000Research: Dataset 1. FDA-approved drugs which are active against Ebola virus infection2,3, 10.5256/f1000research.6110.d4287639

F1000Research: Dataset 2. Approved and experimental drugs selected as candidate for treatment of EVD, 10.5256/f1000research.6110.d4287740

F1000Research: Dataset 3. Experimental drugs selected as candidate for treatment of EVD, 10.5256/f1000research.6110.d4287841

F1000Research: Dataset 4. Approved antibiotics screened for candidate anti-Ebola drugs, 10.5256/f1000research.6110.d4287942

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Veljkovic V, Loiseau PM, Figadere B et al. Virtual screen for repurposing approved and experimental drugs for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] F1000Research 2015, 4:34 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.6110.2)
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Reviewer Report 19 Feb 2015
Patrick Butaye, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis 
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Butaye P. Reviewer Report For: Virtual screen for repurposing approved and experimental drugs for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000Research 2015, 4:34 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6601.r7701)
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Reviewer Report 11 Feb 2015
Bruno Botta, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy 
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To identify drug candidates against Ebola virus infections is surely an urgent need, especially in light of recent virus outbreaks registered mostly in Africa. In this respect, Velijkovic's  article is presented in a timely manner and offers a fast and reliable ... Continue reading
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Botta B. Reviewer Report For: Virtual screen for repurposing approved and experimental drugs for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000Research 2015, 4:34 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6544.r7633)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 13 Feb 2015
    Veljko Veljkovic, Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
    13 Feb 2015
    Author Response
    The aim of the work was not only to reduce the number of candidate drugs for EVD but to select all approved drugs which will efficiently target GP or its ... Continue reading
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  • Author Response 13 Feb 2015
    Veljko Veljkovic, Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
    13 Feb 2015
    Author Response
    The aim of the work was not only to reduce the number of candidate drugs for EVD but to select all approved drugs which will efficiently target GP or its ... Continue reading
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44
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Reviewer Report 11 Feb 2015
Patrick Butaye, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis 
Approved
VIEWS 44
This manuscript deals with the in silico analysis of molecules for their activity against Ebola Virus (EBV). They started from a reference library of compounds who have previously demonstrated in vitro and/or in vivo activity against EBV and analyzed these ... Continue reading
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HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Butaye P. Reviewer Report For: Virtual screen for repurposing approved and experimental drugs for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000Research 2015, 4:34 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6544.r7552)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 13 Feb 2015
    Veljko Veljkovic, Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
    13 Feb 2015
    Author Response
    The antibiotics presented in this article are not selected because of their antibiotic activity but they are proposed as candidate entry inhibitors of Ebola virus (drug repurposing).
    Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 13 Feb 2015
    Veljko Veljkovic, Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
    13 Feb 2015
    Author Response
    The antibiotics presented in this article are not selected because of their antibiotic activity but they are proposed as candidate entry inhibitors of Ebola virus (drug repurposing).
    Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.

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Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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