Scientists have yet to find cure for SARS. However, a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has shone light on possible routes for researching and developing a SARS treatment.

Scientists discovered a compound named Bananin that with only 100 micrometers can effectively hold back growth of the virus, bringing nearly 99% of the virus under control. What's more, the toxicity of Bananin is much lower than that of Ribavirin, which was used during the SARS outbreak. Nevertheless, Bananins may need at least two years of further study before any kind of medicine is introduced.

Mr. Zheng Bojian, associate professor at the Centre for Cellular Biology of HKU, said that Bananins are composed of six anti-virus compounds, whose structure is similar to tetrodotoxin, but maintains extremely low toxicity. After repeated experiments, researchers have found that Bananins can effectively interrupt the replication of SARS virus.

(chinanews April 28, 2005)