Current targeted therapeutics against COVID-19: Based on first-line experience in China

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel strain, causing a global pandemic since the end of 2019. The majority of patients showed nonspecific symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Most patients have a good prognosis while some with severe conditions could rapidly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, metabolic acidosis, coagulation dysfunction, and even die. The exacerbation of the patient's condition may be due to a cytokine storm in the body. Effective targeted therapies including antiviral and immunization are urgently needed. Although many clinical trials are already underway and the majority of patients have received antiviral therapy based on medication experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and preliminary results from some clinical trials, there are no antiviral drugs proven to be effective currently. We summarize the current therapeutic medicines used in the clinic, hope to be able to provide some implications for clinical medication.

Rapid establishment of a COVID‐19 convalescent plasma program in a regional health care delivery network

“…3 A variety of antiviral agents, and combinations of agents, are under intense evaluation for the treatment of COVID-19. 4 In addition, multiple vaccine candidates are being evaluated. 5 However, no established, evidencebased treatments are available at this time.…”

Potential mechanism underlying the effect of matrine on COVID-19 patients revealed through network pharmacological approaches and molecular docking analysis

“…Sometimes, nasal obstruction, a running nose, pharyngalgia, and diarrhoea may occur (Tay et al 2020). TCM is effective against COVID-19 and is widely favoured worldwide (Zhang et al 2020c). As an aspect of COVID-19 treatment strategies in China, TCM potentially provides potential insights into the prevention and control of this disease worldwide.…”

Pharmacological treatments of COVID-19

“…The nucleoside analog, ribavirin (Virasol), is an anti-viral drug with broad-spectrum activity that is used for treating hepatitis C, respiratory syncytial virus, and some viral hemorrhagic fevers (e.g., Lassa) [24,25]. It had several mechanisms recognized by which ribavirin exerts its antiviral action, including lethal mutagenesis, chain termination as specific or nonspecific, and inhibition of nucleotide biosynthesis to target RNA viruses [26]. The desire-specific mechanism of ribavirin action has not been fully understood [27].…”

“…Anti-tuberculosis [286] It is also worth noting that ribavirin had several known adverse effects such as hemolytic anemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia [40]. It is also contraindicated to autoimmune hepatitis, hemoglobin disorder, kidney failure, pregnant females or males with pregnant partners, and those with hypersensitivities to it [26]. Because of inconsistent benefit with ribavirin for COVID-19 and its substantial safety concerns, and very low quality of evidence, current data do not justify its use for the treatment of COVID-19.…”