Mij
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Date: October 27, 2026
Source: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Summary: A surprising discovery reveals that widely used anti-inflammatory drugs may unintentionally help dangerous viruses spread through the body. Scientists found that JAK inhibitors, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, can weaken a crucial immune defense against influenza, COVID-19, and other infections. By suppressing genes that normally fight viruses, these medications may leave patients more vulnerable to infection.
Common Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Help Viruses Spread
The medications at the center of the findings belong to a class called Janus kinase inhibitors, or JAKs. These drugs are widely prescribed to control inflammation, but their effects on the immune system may also leave the body more vulnerable to viral infections.
"Among the viruses that more easily affect the body with the help of these drugs are Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19," Kainov says.
These viruses can cause significant illness, making any treatment that potentially increases their ability to spread a serious concern.
STUDY
Source: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Summary: A surprising discovery reveals that widely used anti-inflammatory drugs may unintentionally help dangerous viruses spread through the body. Scientists found that JAK inhibitors, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, can weaken a crucial immune defense against influenza, COVID-19, and other infections. By suppressing genes that normally fight viruses, these medications may leave patients more vulnerable to infection.
Common Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Help Viruses Spread
The medications at the center of the findings belong to a class called Janus kinase inhibitors, or JAKs. These drugs are widely prescribed to control inflammation, but their effects on the immune system may also leave the body more vulnerable to viral infections.
"Among the viruses that more easily affect the body with the help of these drugs are Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19," Kainov says.
These viruses can cause significant illness, making any treatment that potentially increases their ability to spread a serious concern.
STUDY