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Pharmacological development of the potential adjuvant therapeutic agents against coronavirus disease 2019

Kuan-Hsuan Chen1,2, Sheng-Fan Wang1,2,3, Szu-Yu Wang1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|June 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Researchers reviewed potential adjuvant therapies for treating COVID-19, including immunomodulators, Chinese medicines, and nutritional supplements. This review covers the pharmacological development of these promising COVID-19 treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates diverse treatment strategies beyond direct antivirals.
  • Adjuvant therapies show promise in managing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pharmacological development of potential adjuvant therapies for COVID-19 treatment.
  • To consolidate evidence on immunomodulators, Chinese medicines, and other agents as adjuncts to direct-acting COVID-19 treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pharmacological development of COVID-19 adjuvant therapies.
  • Analysis of studies on immunomodulators, Chinese medicines, anti-VEGF agents, and nutritional supplements.
  • Synthesis of evidence on the efficacy and mechanisms of potential COVID-19 adjuncts.

Main Results:

  • Several classes of drugs, including immunomodulators (e.g., tocilizumab, IL-6 inhibitors), Chinese medicines (e.g., glycyrrhizin, baicalin), and nutritional supplements (vitamins, zinc), show potential.
  • Pharmacological development is progressing for various adjuvant therapies targeting different aspects of COVID-19 pathogenesis.
  • Evidence suggests these adjuvants may modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, or support host defense against SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

  • Adjuvant therapies represent a critical area of research for comprehensive COVID-19 treatment strategies.
  • Further investigation into the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical efficacy of these agents is warranted.
  • These adjuncts could play a significant role in managing COVID-19, complementing direct antiviral approaches.

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