COVID-19: Underpinning Research for Detection, Therapeutics, and Vaccines Development

Alaa A A Aljabali1, Hamid A Bakshi2, Saurabh Satija3

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 566, Jordan.

Abstract

Insights

This review highlights research on SARS-CoV-2, focusing on viral transmission, pathogenicity, and treatments. It assesses drug repurposing and vaccine development to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 emerged in December 2019, causing a global pandemic with significant mortality.
  • Despite the rapid spread, scientific and medical communities responded swiftly to understand and combat the virus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pioneering research on SARS-CoV-2, including molecular mechanisms, pathogenicity, and potential treatments.
  • To consolidate data from related coronaviruses to accelerate vaccine development.
  • To enhance understanding of SARS-CoV-2 characteristics for improved control measures.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review using web searches and bibliographical databases with relevant keywords.
  • Analysis of published SARS-CoV-2 structures and interactomics data.
  • Assessment of ongoing clinical trials for repurposed drugs and vaccine candidates.

Main Results:

  • Identification of potential therapeutic candidates through structural and interactomic analysis.
  • Overview of recent publications on SARS-CoV-2's molecular, epidemiological, and clinical aspects.
  • Evaluation of innovative diagnostic technologies and their limitations/advantages.

Conclusions:

  • The study identifies knowledge gaps in COVID-19 research, particularly regarding specific antivirals.
  • It highlights repurposed drugs and vaccine candidates in various clinical trial phases.
  • Findings aim to support researchers with evidence on potential therapeutics and small molecules.

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