Emerging treatments
IMP-1088
IMP-1088, a dual inhibitor of human N-myristoyltransferases (NMT1 and NMT2), blocks a key step in viral capsid assembly. The drug targets NMT in human cells rather than the virus itself. As viruses use human NMT for capsid formation, blocking this protein results in antiviral activity against multiple rhinoviruses. IMP-1088 is in the early stages of discovery, and human trials are not expected to start for a few years.[93][94]
Probiotics
A systematic review reported that probiotics were better than placebo in reducing the number of participants experiencing episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), the mean duration of an episode of acute URTI, antibiotic use, and cold-related school absence. This indicates that probiotics may be more beneficial than placebo for preventing acute URTIs, although probiotics did have more adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal. However, the quality of the evidence was low or very low.[95]
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Acupuncture and moxibustion
More research is required before recommendations can be made concerning therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion for treating common cold symptoms.[96][97]
Vaccines
No vaccines have been developed for the common cold due to the difficulty of isolating the numerous etiologic agents. There is very limited evidence on the effects of vaccines for the common cold in healthy people.[98]
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