Volatile molecules for COVID-19: A possible pharmacological strategy?

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Infectious Diseases
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, frequently presents with bilateral pneumonia and pleural effusion.
• The virus's high pulmonary tropism and contagiousness necessitate innovative therapeutic strategies.
• Novel drug delivery mechanisms are being explored to combat the widespread diffusion of SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of using volatile drugs for COVID-19.
• To explore the potential of oral administration for delivering volatile compounds to the lungs.
• To evaluate 1,8-cineole as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19, including asymptomatic cases.

Main Methods:

• Review of aerosolized antiviral therapy for COVID-19.
• Discussion of oral administration of volatile molecules as a drug delivery strategy.
• Evaluation of the pharmacological properties of 1,8-cineole for potential clinical use.

Main Results:

• Volatile molecules possess characteristics (high vapor pressure, exhalation via lungs) that could be pharmacologically exploited for drug delivery.
• A hypothetical COVID-19 drug should balance lung exhalation properties with antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions.
• 1,8-cineole is presented as a candidate for clinical evaluation in COVID-19 treatment.

Conclusions:

• Oral administration of volatile drugs offers a unique approach for targeting lung infections like COVID-19.
• Further research and clinical evaluation are warranted for volatile compounds, such as 1,8-cineole, in managing SARS-CoV-2.
• This strategy may hold potential for treating both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.