Fungal Extract Composition for Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for COVID-19, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs, are limited in their availability and mode of administration, particularly lacking effective oral and non-drug alternatives for preventing or treating coronavirus infections.

Innovation Solution

Compositions comprising extracts from Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa, and Hericium erinaceus, optionally combined with Cistus creticus, inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 protein and ACE2, providing therapeutic and prophylactic options through oral, intranasal, and pulmonary administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional antiviral drugs like remdesivir are used, then viral infection is treated, but intravenous administration is required which limits accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministration route accessibilityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fungal extracts (Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa, Hericium erinaceus) as intermediary substances that can be administered orally or topically. These extracts contain bioactive compounds that mediate the antiviral effect by interfering with viral entry mechanisms, specifically blocking the interaction between viral spike proteins and host cell receptors like ACE2, thereby providing effective treatment without requiring intravenous administration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive intravenous injection system with oral or topical administration systems. The fungal extract compositions are formulated as oral supplements or topical applications that deliver antiviral compounds through non-invasive routes, substituting the need for needle-based delivery while maintaining treatment effectiveness through alternative absorption pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If approved vaccines are administered, then immunity is provided, but they require specific injection protocols and cold chain storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage and distribution flexibilityVSAvoidimmune protection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fungal extracts that can be stored at ambient temperatures without requiring cold chain infrastructure. These compositions are stable, shelf-friendly alternatives that can be distributed widely without specialized storage facilities, making immune protection accessible in remote or resource-limited settings while maintaining their protective effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The fungal extract compositions serve multiple functions: they provide antiviral protection, enhance immune system readiness, and can be administered through multiple routes (oral, topical, intranasal). This multi-functionality allows a single product to address both prevention and treatment aspects, providing versatile protection without the limitations of vaccine-specific administration protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antiviral treatments are developed, then treatment options increase, but complexity of treatment protocols increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment option diversityVSAvoidtreatment protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antiviral mechanisms into a single fungal extract composition. The formulation includes extracts from different fungal species (Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa, Hericium erinaceus) that work synergistically to block viral entry, inhibit viral replication, and modulate immune response. This merging of multiple functions into one product simplifies the treatment protocol while providing diverse antiviral protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These compositions effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking viral entry into cells and inhibit neuraminidase activity, offering a synergistic antiviral effect and immune system enhancement.

Implementation Method 1

compositions comprising an extract from Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa and Hericium erinaceus may interfere with the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 protein and membrane bound Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtein-protein interaction inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

such compositions are also demonstrating inhibiting effects on neuroaminidase. This enzyme is an attractive target for antiviral strategies because of its essential role in the pathogenicity of many respiratory viruses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme inhibition: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS20260083788A1Antiviral fungal extracts

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 MYCOTECH PHARMA AS

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compositions able to prevent coronavirus infections. As demonstrated by the examples herein, compositions comprising an extract from Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa and Hericium erinaceus may interfere with the interaction between the Spike S1 protein and ACE2. Accordingly, such compositions may provide therapeutic or prophylactic alternatives to the known treatments.