2 publishers · first seen Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:46 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 07:39 UTC
Scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found that Janus kinase inhibitors, or JAK inhibitors, may help viruses such as Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2 spread more easily in the body. The drugs, including baricitinib, are commonly prescribed for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and work by suppressing an important immune signalling pathway that protects cells from viral attacks.
The study, published in NAR Molecular Medicine, shows that JAK inhibitors reduce the activity of genes crucial to the body's antiviral response, potentially posing a hidden risk for patients with latent or active viral infections. Researchers recommend further studies and caution in prescribing these drugs during viral outbreaks, while noting the findings are from laboratory research and not a call to discontinue treatment.
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