Abstract: The present invention relates to a ROCK inhibitor for use in the treatment or prevention of pulmonary edema associated with a virus infection. The present invention further concerns a use of an in vitro test system or the determination of inhibitors effectiveness in preventing or reducing apical sodium-potassium-ATPase (NKA) localisation in lung epithelial cells. Also provided is a method for detecting molecules effective in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a pulmonary edema. Finally, the invention relates to a test system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of developing a main proteinase SARS inhibitor. Human coronaviruses are major causes of upper respiratory tract illnesses in humans, in particular, the common cold. Recent investigations have shown that a novel coronavirus causes the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a disease that is characterized by high fever, malaise, rigor, headache, non-productive cough or dyspnea, which is rapidly spreading. Within the scope of the invention, based on the structural analysis of the binding mode of the SARS Mpro enzyme, a group of prototype inhibitors is provided that acts as suitable drugs targeting a majority of viral infections of the respiratory tract, including SARS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of developing a main proteinase SARS inhibitor. Human coronaviruses are major causes of upper respiratory tract illnesses in humans, in particular, the common cold. Recent investigations have shown that a novel coronavirus causes the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a disease that is characterized by high fever, malaise, rigor, headache, non-productive cough or dyspnea, which is rapidly spreading. Within the scope of the invention, based on the structural analysis of the binding mode of the SARS Mpro enzyme, a group of prototype inhibitors is provided that acts as suitable drugs targeting a majority of viral infections of the respiratory tract, including SARS.