Therapeutic approaches for COVID 19: Challenges and successes

Abstract

The novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2 or COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 and soon became a global pandemic. The virus causes flu-like symptoms and is potentially lethal. The rapid spread of the virus leaves the world in total paralysis and has devastating effects on the health, economic, and social levels of most countries. No treatment has been approved yet and the world really needs a precise and urgent medication. Certainly, the developing of a new specific drug for COVID-19 would take a longer time than expected but it is hoped that this task will be completed sooner than later; therefore recent studies have prioritized testing previously FDA-approved drugs for other indications and whether they have significant effects on COVID-19 or not. In this study, we discuss recent applications, protocols, and the outcomes of these drugs as advised by healthcare institutions and providers, as well as to conduct a literature review.

Relationship between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease

“…From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, simultaneously with treatment measures, health and preventive measures such as strict quarantine, social distancing, hand washing, disinfection of various surfaces, and wearing a mask among others, as health protocols to reduce and cut off the transmission chain were on the agenda of governments and health organizations [1,2]. SARS-CoV-2 infects target cells primarily via interaction of the receptor-binding domain of the S protein with the cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor after activation of the S protein by transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) [3]. The S protein is composed of two functional subunits, S1 and S2; S1 is responsible for receptor binding, whereas S2 (the C-terminal domain) is specifically responsible for viral-cellular membrane fusion [4,5].…”

Relationship between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease

“…From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, simultaneously with treatment measures, health and preventive measures such as strict quarantine, social distancing, hand washing, disinfection of various surfaces, and wearing a mask among others, as health protocols to reduce and cut off the transmission chain were on the agenda of governments and health organizations [1,2]. SARS-CoV-2 infects target cells primarily via interaction of the receptor-binding domain of the S protein with the cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor after activation of the S protein by transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) [3]. The S protein is composed of two functional subunits, S1 and S2; S1 is responsible for receptor binding, whereas S2 (the C-terminal domain) is specifically responsible for viral-cellular membrane fusion [4,5].…”