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COVID-19 Drug Discovery Using Intensive Approaches
Ayumu Asai1,2,3,4, Masamitsu Konno1, Miyuki Ozaki1
1Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 25, 2020
Summary
This review explores therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Drug repurposing shows promise for treating COVID-19 and future RNA virus pandemics.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), necessitates urgent therapeutic strategies.
- Existing knowledge from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) provides a foundation for developing COVID-19 treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutics under clinical trials or proposed for antagonizing SARS-CoV-2.
- To explore the potential of drug repurposing as a viable strategy against COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19 therapeutics.
- Analysis of established antiviral mechanisms against RNA viruses.
- Evaluation of drug repurposing strategies based on prior coronavirus outbreaks.
Main Results:
- Several therapeutics are under clinical investigation for COVID-19 treatment.
- Drug repurposing, leveraging existing antivirals, is a promising avenue.
- Understanding RNA virus-specific mechanisms is crucial for antiviral development.
Conclusions:
- Currently marketed drugs may offer effective treatments for severe COVID-19.
- These repurposed drugs could be vital during future viral pandemics when standard treatments are limited.
- Antivirals targeting unique RNA virus mechanisms are essential for clinical development.
