Dipyridamole as an Interferon Inducer

We described the pyrimidine derivative dipyridamole (DP) as an interferon (IFN) inducer in culti¬vated in vitro lymphoid cells, administrated orally in mice and in humans attaining high IFN titres within 24 hours. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue was identified as the inducer target. IFN-antagonistic period was established. Three double-blind placebo trials (more than 6000 participants proved that DP acts as a prophy¬lactic for influenza and viral acute respiratory diseases. Experimental evidence proved that the IFN-induc¬ing activity of DP is due to its capacity to inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase. Additionally, DP demonstrates a marked inhibitory effect on the replication of a broad spectrum of viruses. It was established that DP-in¬duced IFN production in humans is strongly dependent of compound pharmacokinetics. DP activities were followed and described in lupus erythematosus, chronic pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, in ophthalmology, dermatology (herpesvirus and papillomavirus infections) and AIDS. Special attention was given to a possible DP's effect in COVID-19 patients.