Neoleukin Therapeutics Inc (NLTX)

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Molecular medicine, genes identified.

Researchers at Edinburgh University identified five genes commonly featured in the DNA of Covid-19 victims.

TYK2, CCR2, OAS1, IFNAR2, and DPP9.

TYK2 is found on chromosome 19 in the human body and creates and enzyme that can lead to inflammation. The scientists believed TYK2 can be treated using baricitinib – a JAK inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

CCR2 is found on chromosome 4 with the researchers identifying drugs already used to treat psoriasis as being effective in treating the gene.

OAS1 is found on chromosome 12 and is already known to be susceptible to other types of coronavirus – while treatment is not yet available.

IFNAR2 is found on chromosome 21 and is key to helping the body’s natural antiviral response identify that there is a virus that needs to be attacked. The researchers found that the IFNAR2 gene can lead to the body’s immune system attacking itself if not treated early.

DPP9 is also found on chromosome 19 - however, the researchers do not yet know enough about the gene to understand what would be the best treatment for it but suspect the gene could lead to ‘long Covid’ symptoms.