Interim Guidelines on Antiviral Therapy for COVID-19

Sun Bean Kim1, Kyungmin Huh2, Jung Yeon Heo3

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Insights

This guideline reviews potential antiviral and drug therapies for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It synthesizes in vivo, in vitro, and clinical data to inform treatment strategies beyond supportive care.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread globally.
  • As of April 16, 2020, Korea reported over 10,000 cases and 200 deaths.
  • Clinical presentations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic to severe conditions like pneumonia and organ failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a guideline on potentially effective antiviral and drug therapies for COVID-19.
  • To inform clinicians and researchers on treatment options beyond supportive care.
  • To consolidate evidence from in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vivo and in vitro research on COVID-19 therapies.
  • Analysis of clinical experiences and treatment data from various countries.
  • Guideline development based on synthesized scientific evidence.

Main Results:

  • No standard antiviral therapy regimen is established for COVID-19.
  • Supportive care remains a cornerstone of COVID-19 management.
  • Various antiviral and drug therapies show potential based on preliminary research and clinical observations.

Conclusions:

  • Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish definitive COVID-19 treatment protocols.
  • This guideline offers a summary of current knowledge on potential therapeutic interventions.
  • Evidence-based therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

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