Re: Response to the emerging novel coronavirus outbreak
Dear Editor,
The authors seem to have made an obvious mistake. They misinterpreted ACE2 with angiotensin II receptor which are totally different molecular entities. The putative receptor for the new coronavirus (Covid-19) is ACE2, but NOT angiotensin II receptor. Therefore, it is unlikely that ARBs such as telmisaltan and losartan will be effective in inhibiting the binding of Covid-19 to ACE2. Instead, however, ACE inhibitors such as perindopril erbumine may be effective as a preventive measure, while we must be aware that ACE inhibitors in class may cause dry cough as an adverse side effect that may make it difficult to distinguish the cough caused by the lung infection.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
20 February 2020
Akamatsu Aki
Chief Director, Strategic R&D Division
Cosmos and Star Streams
1308-222 Kuwahara, Kannami, Shizuoka 419-0101 JAPAN
Rapid Response:
Re: Response to the emerging novel coronavirus outbreak
Dear Editor,
The authors seem to have made an obvious mistake. They misinterpreted ACE2 with angiotensin II receptor which are totally different molecular entities. The putative receptor for the new coronavirus (Covid-19) is ACE2, but NOT angiotensin II receptor. Therefore, it is unlikely that ARBs such as telmisaltan and losartan will be effective in inhibiting the binding of Covid-19 to ACE2. Instead, however, ACE inhibitors such as perindopril erbumine may be effective as a preventive measure, while we must be aware that ACE inhibitors in class may cause dry cough as an adverse side effect that may make it difficult to distinguish the cough caused by the lung infection.
Competing interests: No competing interests