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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
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.
Background:
The newly emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first reported in December 2019, has infected about five and a half million people globally and resulted in nearly 9063264 deaths until the 24th of June 2020. Nevertheless, the highly contagious virus has instigated an unimaginably rapid response from scientific and medical communities.
Objectives:
Pioneering research on molecular mechanisms underlying the viral transmission, molecular pathogenicity, and potential treatments will be highlighted in this review. The development of antiviral drugs specific to SARS-CoV-2 is a complicated and tedious process. To accelerate scientific discoveries and advancement, researchers are consolidating available data from associated coronaviruses into a single pipeline, which can be readily made available to vaccine developers.
Methods:
In order to find studies evaluating the COVID-19 virus epidemiology, repurposed drugs and potential vaccines, web searches and bibliographical bases have been used with keywords that matches the content of this review.
Results:
The published results of SARS-CoV-2 structures and interactomics have been used to identify potential therapeutic candidates. We illustrate recent publications on SARS-CoV-2, concerning its molecular, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics, and focus on innovative diagnostics technologies in the production pipeline. This objective of this review is to enhance the comprehension of the unique characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and strengthen future control measures.
Lay Summary:
An innovative analysis is evaluating the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to increase knowledge of possible viral detection methods, which highlights several new technology limitations and advantages. We have assessed some drugs currently for patients (Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Anakinra and Interferon beta 1a), as the feasibility of COVID-19 specific antivirals is not presently known. The study explores the race toward vaccine development and highlights some significant trials and candidates in various clinical phases. This research addresses critical knowledge gaps by identifying repurposed drugs currently under clinical trials. Findings will be fed back rapidly to the researchers interested in COVID 19 and support the evidence and potential of possible therapeutics and small molecules with their mode of action.
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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