00:00A new lab study raises a question about a common class of drugs.
00:04JAK inhibitors are prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
00:09Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology tested them in cell cultures.
00:14The cells came from lungs, eyes, and brain. They also used lab-grown miniature organs.
00:19The drugs suppressed an immune signal that helps protect cells from viruses.
00:24They reduced activity of genes that fight infection.
00:26That may let viruses establish infection and spread between cells.
00:30The viruses tested included influenza A, adenovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and Rift Valley fever virus.
00:38Professor Dennis Kanoff called it a surprising and potentially serious side effect.
00:42The experiments were done in cells, not in people.
00:46The study does not show that these drugs increase viral spread in patients.
00:50The team recommends further studies to understand how the drugs can be used optimally.
00:54Disclosure. This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
