Abstract
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor the new
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 binds to for cell entry. ACE2 is also an
important player in the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS). ACE2 and RAS
appears to be central in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pathophysiology.
Covid-19 might be regarded as a virus-induced “RAS disorder”. Drugs
acting upon RAS components may offer potential therapeutic value in
Covid-19. The authors advocate diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a putative
ACE2 activator, as a feasible treatment option unduly disregarded a
priori, likely due to lack of licensing for human use. However, DIZE has
been extensively employed in African trypanosomiasis patients with
little toxicity reported. With the current pandemic causing health
issues on a large scale worldwide, the properties of DIZE remain to be
investigated in Covid-19. A drug that is available, inexpensive and with
a long track record of safe usage should be considered, particularly
while effective alternatives remain scarce.