HEPES Possible Use Against Covid19

T. Ronald Theodore

Integrated Biologics, LLC

HEPES is a biological response modifier (BRM). It is one of a group known as zwitterions. Dr. Norman Good discovered the molecule in 1966. Dr. Good demonstrated that HEPES (and other zwitterions) increased mitochondrial activity. It raised the rate of oxidative phosphorylation (a basic reaction in metabolism). Dr. Good focused on the ability of HEPES capacity to act as a buffer. For years HEPES was considered just a buffer. In 1997 I described numerous effects of HEPES as a biological response modifier. ( https://patents.justia.com/patent/6071919 ) These important responses were found to be dose related.

HEPES has the capacity to lower mean inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and potentiate a number of positive pharmacologic actions. ( https://patents.justia.com/patent/6071919 ). The ability to decrease MICs in anti-microbial therapy may greatly increase the effectiveness of anti-microbials and may potentiate the effectiveness of the agents. These actions are dose dependent.

It was also found that HEPES induced extra-medullary hematopoiesis. (the ability to produce embryonic like cells – including stem cells). It has a positive effect on COPD and raises oxygen saturation. There is anecdotal evidence that it prevents pulmonary fibrosis. In a collaboration with Prof. Luc Montagnier (discoverer of the HIV virus) confirmed the immune stimulating capability of HEPES and further demonstrated that HEPES decreases C4 ligand activity. (A very significant finding that affects cytokine activity and influences cell apoptosis). HEPES has been demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory effect. It effects cytokine activity. HEPES can induce extramedullary hematopoiesis. ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10851485 ). HEPES has been used with approval by Canada Health Protection Branch under the Emergency Drug Release Program. ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10851486 ).

For these and other reasons this medicine needs to be studied as to the effects on Covid19. The compound may have antiviral activity. It can be synergistic with other therapies. It may allow lower doses of drugs like hydroxychloroquine. Additionally it might have a mitigating effect on the pulmonary complications from the Covid19. These findings and other issues have brought resistance from the NIH that has been using HEPES ( a true BRM ) as a buffer for years.

However too many lives are at stake and the possible use of HEPES in treating Covid19 infection (and other infections). The research studies can be conducted promptly and results quickly determined. The importance of the potential of this compound requires immediate study.