Disulfiram inclusion complexes - a nebulization approach to fight covid-19

Disulfiram (DS) has an excellent anti-viral activity; however, its low water-solubility and first-pass metabolism are limiting its clinical applications. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used as solubility enhancers and carriers of DS proposed for inhalation to treat SARS-CoV-19. Two types of CDs (hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin and sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin) were used to form inclusion complexes with DS, and drug solubility was assessed using spectrophotometric analytical method. Formulations were freeze-dried and characterized using DSC, TGA and FTIR. Nebulization technique was used to assess the potential for generating aerosols. Both CDs improved DS solubility and demonstrated a strong DS-CD interaction. All inclusion complexes were proved to be suitable for inhalation, therefore, potentially effective therapy for further investigation against SARS-CoV-19 is shown.