DASS-167 is a synthetic small molecule inhibitor that has shown potent activity against SARS-CoV-2. The compound was first identified through a high-throughput screening campaign of a large library of small molecules. The screening assay was designed to detect the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication in cells. DASS-167 emerged as a lead compound due to its high potency, selectivity, and favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

The pharmacokinetics and safety of the DASS-167 have been evaluated in rodents and non-human primates. The compound showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, with good oral bioavailability and a reasonable half-life. The DASS-167 was also well-tolerated in animal studies, with no significant adverse effects observed at doses up to 100 mg/kg.

The DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) is a widely used psychological assessment tool. It measures three related components: depression, anxiety, and stress.

The DASS-167 achieves this through a unique mechanism of action, which involves the formation of a stable complex with the RdRp enzyme. This complexation prevents the enzyme from interacting with its substrate, thereby inhibiting the replication of viral RNA. The compound has been shown to exhibit a high degree of specificity for the viral RdRp enzyme, with minimal activity against host cell enzymes.